Lionel Messi's Eighth Ballon d'Or Victory Shatters Cristiano Ronaldo's Boastful Claims

• Lionel Messi has been announced as the winner of the 2023 Ballon d'Or
• The Argentine fended off challenges from Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe
• The triumph has solidified Messi's lead over Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi clinched an unprecedented eighth Ballon d'Or trophy, further widening the gap between him and fierce rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.

In a surprising turn of events, Ronaldo, who had been a constant presence at the prestigious awards ceremony since 2003, was conspicuously absent this year, not making the list of the world's top 30 players for 2023.

Thus, the Portugal captain was not there to witness Messi's latest Ballon d'Or triumph.

The 38-year-old is currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr after a contentious departure from Manchester United in November 2022, per Al Jazeera.

Meanwhile, Messi has embarked on a new chapter in his career by joining Inter Miami in the MLS, playing in the United States.

When Cristiano Ronaldo said he deserved more Ballon d'Ors than Lionel Messi

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While both legends are approaching the twilight of their illustrious careers, it is evident that the Argentine maestro still stands at the pinnacle of his game, especially when measured by the Ballon d'Or standards.

Ronaldo wanted more Ballon d'Ors than Messi

With eight Ballon d'Or accolades to his name, Messi's dominance is undeniable, while Ronaldo, having won the award five times, last achieved this feat in 2017 during his tenure with Real Madrid.

Interestingly, since Ronaldo's last win with Real Madrid, the award has been claimed by him and his former teammates, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema.

This series of events would undoubtedly have surprised the Ronaldo of September 2019, who was then at Juventus, exuding his characteristic self-confidence.

“I would love [more], and I think I deserve it,” he told Piers Morgan in an interview on ITV via Skysports. “Messi is a fantastic guy, a fantastic player. He's in the history of football – but I think I have to have six or seven or eight to be above him.

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Since making those confident declarations, Ronaldo has not secured another Ballon d'Or award. In contrast, Messi has added three more to his tally, now boasting a total of eight.

Messi rules the world again

The Barcelona legend's most recent triumph can be attributed to his exceptional performances in Qatar, where he led Argentina to victory in the World Cup.

Ronaldo's Portugal team faced an early exit in the quarter-finals, and while he continues to excel in scoring for both his national team and Al-Nassr, it appears increasingly improbable that he will garner the attention of the Ballon d'Or voters once more.

More so considering the rise of young talents Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vincious Jnr, to name but a few who are certainly poised to take home the award in the coming years.

At the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris on Monday, Messi, in his characteristically understated manner, addressed the audience:

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"It's nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment," he said via Yahoo Sports. "To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream."

He then added: "I couldn't imagine having the career I've had and everything I've achieved, the fortune I've had to be part of the best team in history. All of them [Ballon d'Or awards] are special for different reasons."

5 reasons Messi beat Haaland

Sports Brief reported 5 reasons Messi beat Haaland to the Ballon d'Or after the Inter Miami captain was officially confirmed as the winner at the Gala in Paris, France.

The former Barcelona captain won the only trophy eluding his career, the FIFA World Cup and was Argentina's main man, turning up in the big games, amongst other reasons.