Announced since Argentina’s coronation at the World Cup, Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or goes down very badly in the eyes of some.
This time, it’s official. As expected for several months and the victory of the Albiceleste in Qatar, Lionel Messi has indeed won the 2023 Ballon d’Or, his eighth in his career. The coronation of Lionel Scaloni’s men will therefore have been enough for the former Barcelona player, despite the disastrous season delivered by the native of Rosario with PSG and on the contrary the serial exploits of Erling Haaland, author of 46 goals in 45 matches and for many in Manchester City’s magnificent treble.
Lionel Messi will undoubtedly not be surprised by the criticism that comes with his eighth Ballon d’Or. They were just as numerous in 2019 when he was preferred to Virgil van Dijk, the debate then residing in the preference given to attackers over defenders, and undoubtedly even more virulent in 2021 when he was ahead of Robert Lewandowski. Because this time, the Argentinian did not have the World Cup to oppose to the Polish striker, who had not only won the Champions League with Bayern Munich but also posted better statistics.
There was no less criticism on Monday evening after the announcement of the Argentinian’s new coronation. Particularly on social networks where Internet users expressed their incomprehension or even their indignation, not hesitating to talk about scandal. For many, the Ballon d’Or becomes more and more decried each year.
Even though I’m pro Messi… I don’t agree with that! This trophy was awarded thanks to 3 weeks of competition! It will remain a scandal
— aure 🇧🇪 (@managall13) October 31, 2023
The Golden Ball for Messi is an absolute scandal.
— FRANCK SOCDEM 🌹🪞 (@emancinova) October 31, 2023
Messi is huge but I think we can easily take 3 or 4 Golden Balls from him without it being a scandal.
— Seb (@SebBoute) October 31, 2023
This 8th Ballon D’or is a scandal. Given Messi’s level this year, a lot of players could have had him in his place. It’s a shame
— ᛃᛟᚱᛁᛊ (@jrsqre) October 31, 2023
Well done to Messi for stealing two soundtracks in his career but then the last one is really the biggest scandal #GoldBall
— KC KayZaaH 🔰 (@KayZaaH29) October 31, 2023
Influencer Mohamed Henni, a big fan of Lionel Messi, at least until he signed for PSG, also ranted after the announcement of the Argentinian’s coronation. “For me, this eighth Ballon d’Or is the Ballon d’Or too many. For me, we reward Lionel Messi more for his entire career than for his entire season. The Golden Ball is not the best player of the World Cup, it is the best player in the world over the season, he cursed. And Messi, he was extraordinary for four weeks, Haaland, he was extraordinary for twelve months. I’m sorry, Messi was terrible in the Champions League. He touched more Ballon d’Ors than balls against Bayern. »
