Messi Wins Record 8th Ballon D'Or for Best Player in the World

Inter Miami CF's Argentine forward Lionel Messi (L) poses with his trophy and his children (bottom), and with Aston Villa's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (Top 2nd L), Inter Milan's Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez and Manchester City's Argentine forward Julian Alvarez during the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony in Paris on Oct. 30, 2023. Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images

PARIS—Argentina captain Lionel Messi won a record eighth Ballon d'Or for the best player in the world on Monday, Oct. 30, beating Norway’s UEFA player of the year and treble winner Erling Haaland of Manchester City to the prestigious prize.

Inter Miami’s Messi, who last won the award in 2021, played a pivotal role in guiding Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years when they beat defending champions France in the final last year.