Lionel Messi Reportedly Set to Win Eighth Ballon d'Or After World Cup Success

• Lionel Messi is claimed to have been selected as the 2023 Ballon d'Or winner already
• The 36-year-old is on track to regain the title following Karim Benzema's win in 2022
• The Inter Miami superstar led Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title in Qatar last year

Lionel Messi is reportedly poised to claim his eighth Ballon d'Or later this month after the male and female award winners for 2023 were 'leaked'.

The 36-year-old achieved the pinnacle of his illustrious career by leading Argentina to a spectacular FIFA World Cup victory in Qatar last year.

Subsequently, Messi made a significant impact upon joining Inter Miami in July, captivating the MLS team with a series of mesmerising performances.

After missing out on the 2022 award to Karim Benzema, Spanish newspaper, Sport has reported that Messi has received early confirmation of his victory in anticipation of the ceremony scheduled for October 30 in Paris.

Ex-Chelsea star criticises Lionel Messi's potential Ballon d'Or victory

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In the female category, Barcelona midfielder, Aitana Bonmati is expected to be named the recipient at the Theater du Chatelet, having triumphed with Spain in the Women's World Cup by defeating England in a thrilling final held in August.

Messi's rumoured triumph represents a historic moment, as it will be the first time the Ballon d'Or goes to a player based outside of Europe, extending his lead over his rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, by three awards, per Mirror Football.

Despite fierce competition from Manchester City's Erling Haaland and former PSG teammate, Kylian Mbappe, the Argentine appears set to claim the top spot, largely owing to his exceptional performance in Qatar.

Messi leads Haaland in fan vote

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that with less than two weeks to go to the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony, Messi has taken an overwhelming lead in the fan vote.

This was organised by France Football, a magazine owned by L'Equipe, often responsible for dishing out the most lucrative individual award in football history.

Messi will be gunning for a record-extending eighth title at the end of October but is expected to face competition from Haaland after Man City's treble season.