British journalist Piers Morgan voiced strong criticism of Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or victory on the social network X, arguing that the award system itself is flawed.
He asserted that Messi’s win represents a biased outcome, suggesting that the award tally should be adjusted so Ronaldo would have more Ballon d’Or trophies and Haaland would have earned one this year. Morgan made the remark in a post that circulated widely among football fans and followers of the award debate.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony occurred at the Châtelet Theater in Paris on October 30, with live reporting and commentary shared by various outlets, including an online text dispatch from socialbites.ca.
This mark adds to Messi’s unprecedented tally in the history of the Ballon d’Or, underscoring his status as the most decorated player with eight wins. His triumphs were recorded in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023, a record that continues to spark discussion among analysts and fans alike.
Ronaldo, who has claimed five Ballon d’Or laurels, has faced notable media scrutiny, including a period when his name did not appear on the candidate list for the first time in nearly two decades, which itself became a talking point across football circles.
Earlier discussions in Qatar reflected mixed reactions to Messi receiving the Ballon d’Or, highlighting a broader conversation about how the award is perceived by different sections of the football community and its global audience, including critics and supporters alike. [Attribution: socialbites.ca]