Lionel Messi is about to make history once more.
According to a report from Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Messi is set to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
When the Argentine accepts the honors on October 30th, it will be his eighth time winning the award, making him the only player in history to accomplish that achievement.
The accolade comes nine months after his World Cup triumph with Argentina, where he led his country to their third title.
Messi will be the only player in Major League Soccer history to win the Ballon d’Or while actively playing in the league. Other Ballon d’Or winners who have played in MLS include former Orlando City midfielder Kaka and ex-New York Red Bull midfielder Lothar Matthaus.
Messi Magic
October 30th will not only be a night to remember for Messi and his family, but for Inter Miami as well.
The South Florida club came into the 2023 season on a high note, winning their first two matches of the year. Subsequently, due to poor coaching and injuries, the Herons suffered, sliding to the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
In the summer, Inter Miami’s front office made some major roster changes, bringing in Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba to immediate success.
The trio turned one of the worst teams in the league into a winner as they dragged the club to the Leagues Cup title in late August.
Unfortunately, the Herons couldn’t keep up that phenomenal form and ultimately ended up missing the postseason.
Messi’s imminent Ballon d’Or win shows just how impactful his presence can be on a team. The 36-year-old not only led his country to its third World Cup victory but also helped Miami win its first piece of silverware in team history.
All in all, though many would’ve loved to have seen Manchester City striker Erling Haaland win the award, Messi’s form in 2022-23 was on another level.
As the Argentine and Inter Miami get ready for the 2024 season, expect the attacking midfielder from Rosario to continue to produce magic.