It is the eighth time that Messi has been crowned the best men’s player on the planet, with his performances during the 2022 World Cup going a long way to ensuring he claimed the individual silverware. The Argentina captain scored in every knockout-stage game en route to La Albiceleste finally ending their wait for a global trophy. At club level, Messi helped Paris Saint-Germain secure the Ligue 1 title, registering 16 goals and 16 assists.

After the Argentine, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is next with five Ballon d’Or wins but this was the first time since 2003 that he was not on the shortlist for the award.

DID YOU KNOW

This year’s Ballon d’Or debate has been dominated by Messi and Haaland. The Norwegian scored a ridiculous 52 goals for Man City last season, playing a pivotal role as Pep Guardiola’s side clinched a historic treble.

WHAT NEXT?

Messi is currently plying his trade for MLS side Inter Miami, but as they did not make the playoffs, he is enjoying some well-deserved time off. He should feature in Argentina’s November games against Uruguay and Brazil, though.