Lionel Messi claimed the 2023 Ballon d’Or in the men’s category, edging out Erling Haaland in a result that surprised many observers and thrilled fans around the world. The outcome highlighted Messi’s enduring impact on the game and added another milestone to his storied career. The ceremony drew attention from across the football community as the vote tally became a talking point well beyond the ceremony itself.
- Messi triumphed over Haaland in the Ballon d’Or public vote and the official ballot among voters from footballing nations.
- Argentina’s pulse beat loudly as the nation celebrated a victory that carried a substantial margin in the points tally.
- England offered a notable point of discussion in the voting, with their national representatives weighing in on the contenders.
WHAT HAPPENED? Numerous outlets, including the reporting of well-known football insiders, noted that Messi accumulated 462 points to Haaland’s 357, a lead of 105 points that underscored Messi’s sustained excellence. The ranking reflected a diverse chorus of opinions from voters around the world, who evaluated the players based on performances over the preceding season and the broader impact on the sport.
Leo Messi earned the Ballon d’Or over Erling Haaland by a margin of 105 points.
Lion Messi – 462 points Erling Haaland – 357 points
Here is a look at the voting breakdown by country. The list captures the range of national perspectives that shaped the final result, illustrating how supporters from different football cultures weigh a player’s influence, consistency, and achievements across major competitions.
South Africa: Messi Albania: Messi Algeria: Haaland Germany: Messi England: Messi …
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 4, 2023
THE BIG PICTURE: Members of the global football press and officials from the top 100 ranked teams participated in the Ballon d’Or voting process. The spread of votes demonstrated the global nature of the award, with voters reflecting diverse football cultures and competitive contexts. Perhaps the most interesting observation was the choice from an England representative who favored Messi, a decision that sparked discussion about the different ways players are valued beyond scoring tallies alone.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
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WHAT’S NEXT FOR MESSI? The celebrations continued with a forthcoming club-level match as Messi and his Inter Miami teammates prepared for a friendly against New York City FC, a game organized to mark their Ballon d’Or triumph. The match served as an opportunity for the squad to reflect on the award while continuing to build chemistry ahead of key fixtures. In the international arena, the seasoned forward is set to captain Argentina in World Cup qualifying clashes against Uruguay and Brazil later in the month, a schedule that will test leadership under pressure and the ability to maintain peak performance as the calendar tightens.
Source: Goal