There has been a lot of debate surrounding Lionel Messi‘s 8th Ballon d’Or triumph. The soccer fraternity believes Manchester City star Erling Haaland should have won the award over La Pulga. Kylian Mbappe, who finished 3rd on the Ballon d’Or rankings, has joined the conversation, voicing his thoughts. In his recent press conference before the Gibraltar game, the Frenchman has backed Messi as the rightful winner for the award.

Lionel Messi out-muscled Mbappe in the 2022 World Cup finals to lift the title for the first time in his career. Both the players were at the top of their game throughout the tournament. While Kylian finished as the top scorer with eight goals, Messi bagged the Player of the Tournament award with ten goal contributions. Thus, Mbappe gave Messi his flowers!

Kylian Mbappe backs Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or win

It has been over two weeks since Lionel Messi bagged his 8th Ballon d’Or title. However, critics still cannot accept the decision, with many believing Erling Haaland was robbed of the award. Kylian Mbappe, also in contention for the award, has now spoken on the decision on how La Pulga deserved it. 

Kylian, in his press conference, stated, “Messi had to win it, he won the World Cup, he won the Ballon d’Or. Haaland is also having a great season, me too… but next to winning a World Cup it doesn’t weigh much.”

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Messi made history last year as he clinched the World Cup title that eluded him throughout his career. Messi, following the defeat in Argentina’s opening game, carried his team to the finals, scoring seven goals and three assists.

The 2023 Ballon d’Or awards saw La Pulga out-muscle Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to bag his 8th title. He received the most votes for the award, leaping Haaland by over a hundred votes.

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Lionel Messi makes history with his 8th Ballon d’Or title

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi etched his name in history books last month, becoming the only soccer star to win eight Ballon d’Or titles. La Pulga, who bagged the World Cup title last year, finished in first place in the award rankings with 462 votes. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland, who came in second, finished with 357 votes to his name.

The win also saw Messi become the oldest player since 1956 to win the coveted award. The Argentine is now the second oldest player behind Sir Stanley Matthews to get his hands on the Ballon d’Or. While the two milestones were unique in their own right, La Pulga also became the first active MLS player to win the award.

Lionel Messi, with all the accolades, will undoubtedly go down in history as the greatest soccer player of all time. What is your favorite memory from La Pulga’s coveted career? Let us know in the comments below.

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