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In soccer, the Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious honor a player can aspire to win. Last year, they bestowed the coveted title upon the star French striker Karim Benzema. However, as the 2023 award ceremony nears, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. As the anticipation for Messi’s record eighth Ballon d’Or title continues to build, Thierry Henry recently spoke about the positive ramifications of the Argentine winning it. The MLS is mushrooming, and they need Messi to attract eyeballs!

With Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe ready to contest for the award, Henry emphasized the everlasting impact on the league having the world’s best player. Henry threw some striking pointers that can help the league, after all. 

Thierry Henry’s Endorsement: A win for Lionel Messi and the MLS?

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Henry, who once shared the pitch with Messi during their time at Barcelona, always believed the Argentine to be the best in the world. During a pre-Champions League coverage analysis show on CBS Sports, he expressed his support for Messi’s potential triumph. Moreover, this would be a significant moment for the MLS soccer scenario. Having the best player in the world would automatically skyrocket the league’s reputation.

Henry enthusiastically stated, “The Golden Ball Ballon d’Or winner playing in the US, I mean you will have the reigning Ballon d’Or winner playing in the US, in the MLS. That’s also good for the game over there.” 

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In recent years, MLS has been on a journey of growth and expansion. The league has been trying effectively to attract world-class talent and elevate the level of competition played on American soil.

In the years gone by, MLS has been on a journey of growth and expansion. The league has been trying effectively to attract world-class talent and elevate the level of competition played on American soil. Star players like David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Gonzalo Higuain have brought star power to the league. But if Messi potentially wins the award, it would surely be a game-changer for the MLS. Fans will step up and take notice!

READ MORE: Lionel Messi Could Rewrite History at Paris Olympics, Says Olympic Committee President, Eagerly Welcoming Inter Miami Star

MLS is about to boom with Messi’s personality!

The Inter Miami star led his nation to the World Cup triumph last year and was considerably the best player in the tournament. In his extraordinary campaign with La Albiceleste in Qatar, the Golden Ball winner scored seven goals, becoming the first player in history to score in every round. Though Messi has previously confessed that he does not pay attention to individual honors, winning his 8th Golden Ball will surely be a proud moment for La Pulga.

Lionel Messi’s journey from his first Ballon d’Or win as a 22-year-old in 2010 to potentially claiming his eighth in 2023 is a testament to his enduring excellence. He has undoubtedly been among the world’s best players over the past 15 years. And the support from soccer legends like Thierry Henry highlights the global significance of LM10’s success.

WATCH THIS STORY: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space

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All eyes will be on Lionel Messi when he takes center stage during the Ballon d’Or ceremony, which will be held in Paris on Monday, October 30th. Do you think he will win it?

 

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Written by

Sahil Sharma

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Sahil Sharma is a soccer writer at EssentiallySports. He's been a fan since childhood, but his love for the sport truly took off when Real Madrid won their record 10th UEFA Champions League title in 2014. That famous La Decima triumph turned him into a hardcore Madridista.
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Edited by

Jacob Gijy