Ballon d'Or 2023: Messi beats Haaland to win

Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d'Or for a record eighth time, fending off competition from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland

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Messi, 36, becomes the first MLS-based player to claim the coveted prize, although the triumph comes largely on the back

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of his exploits with his country in Qatar. Former Manchester United player and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham handed his prize

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Haaland, who scored 52 goals last season as City won the Treble in 2022-23, finished second in the voting and won the Gerd Muller Trophy

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"I couldn't imagine having the career that I've had. Everything that I've achieved," Messi said after getting his award.

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"The fortune I've had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It's nice to win these individual trophies.

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"To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing. All of them [Ballon d'Or awards] are special for different reasons."

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Prior to Messi receiving his award, Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d'Or Féminin after a record-breaking

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year with club and country. She helped Barça win Liga F and the Champions League last season, before leading Spain to World Cup glory in the summer.

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