Four reasons why Lionel Messi should be crowned 2023 Ballon d'Or winner

Lionel Messi reacts after winning the Ballon d’Or France Football 2019 trophy at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris on December 2, 2019. 2019 was the year Messi won a record-breaking sixth Ballon d’Or. He has since gone on to win a record-extending seventh Ballon d’Or. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Come 30th October, at the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, France, the winner of the 2023 Ballon d’Or award will be announced.

There are lots of big name players who have been shortlisted by the organisers of the award, France Football Magazine.

Among those in the running are Erling Haaland, Victor Osimhen, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Kevin De Bruyne, Robert Lewandowski and of course Lionel Messi.

However, if there is one player who deserves to be crowned the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner, it is Messi.

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To back up the argument, here are FOUR reasons why Messi should emerge the winner:

Led Argentina to Win the 2022 FIFA World Cup Trophy:

After the heartbreaks of 1990 and 2014 World Cup finals, Argentina finally landed their third world title, this time at the Qatar 2022 tournament.

Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup trophy during the Qatar 2022 World Cup trophy ceremony after the football final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 18, 2022. Argentina won in the penalty shoot-out. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

One person who is regarded as the architect of the success for the Albiceleste is Lionel Messi. After a shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening group stage, Messi rallied his teammates as they recorded wins in their remaining six games to be crowned champions.

The former Barcelona star scored seven goals, including a brace in the epic final against France.

Won the Qatar 2022 World Cup Golden Ball:

Messi played a key role in helping Argentina become world champions for a third time in their history.

Lionel Messi poses for a photo with the adidas Golden Ball after Argentina’s victory during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022. (Photo by AFP)

As a testament to his contributions to helping Argentina become World Cup champions for the first time since 1986, Messi was awarded the Golden Ball as the Most Valuable Player at the 2022 World Cup at 36 years.

Also, at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Messi was voted the best player despite Argentina losing to Germany in the final.

Helped PSG Win the Ligue 1 Title:

After a disappointing debut season in the 2021/22 league campaign, Messi did much better in his second year at Paris Saint-Germain, resulting in them winning the league title.

(L-R) Leo Messi, Antonela Roccuzzo, Jorgelina Cardoso, Angel Di Maria, Leandro Paredes and Camila Galante and their kids pose after the trophy celebration after the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and FC Metz at Parc des Princes on May 21, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by AFP)

In his first season, Messi could only manage six goals in 26 league appearances. But in the 2022/23 season, he scored 16 goals and provided 16 assists to help the French club land the title.

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Won the 2023 Laureus Award:

For his impressive performance for both Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina, Messi won the 2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year.

PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 08: Lionel Messi speaks after winning the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year 2023 on stage during the 2023 Laureus World Sport Awards Paris show at Cour Vendome on May 08, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images for Laureus)

It is the second time he’s ever won the award, and he is the only footballer to ever actually receive the accolade.

Some of the previous winners of the prestigious award include Roger Federer, Lewis Hamilton, and Tiger Woods.

The Laureus World Sports Awards is an annual award ceremony honoring individuals and teams from the world of sports along with sporting achievements throughout the year.
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