Cristiano Ronaldo Trolled As Lionel Messi Wins Record Extending Eight Ballon d’Or

• Lionel Messi was named the winner of the 2023 Ballon d'Or on October 30
• The Argentine great became the first player to win the award eight times
• Fans have trolled rival Cristiano Ronaldo after Messi was named as winner

Argentine football great, Lionel Messi claimed his eighth Ballon d'Or at a grand ceremony hosted at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France last night (October 30).

This remarkable achievement solidified his status as the most decorated player in the history of the award, with his performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup setting him apart, allowing him to outshine competitors like Erling Haaland from Manchester City and former Paris Saint-Germain teammate, Kylian Mbappe.

The Ballon d'Or, presented by France Football, is among the most prestigious accolades in the football world.

This victory not only underscored Messi's unparalleled excellence but also extended his lead over his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the all-time Ballon d'Or winners' list.

Lionel Messi: Argentine star reportedly 'wins eighth Ballon d'Or' after World Cup success

Football

For nearly 15 years, both veterans have been dominating the football scene, with their rivalry defining an era.

However, the stark contrast between Messi's stellar World Cup performance in Qatar and Ronaldo's relatively lacklustre season, which included an unceremonious departure from Manchester United, left few expecting a close competition for the Ballon d'Or.

This was evident in the 30-man shortlist from France Football, which notably omitted the Portuguese star for the first time in two decades, as reported by Goal.

However, some fans found humour in Ronaldo's exclusion and took it upon themselves to create a fictional ranking for him on the final shortlist.

The vast disparity in the fictional ranking between the 38-year-old and Messi, the ultimate winner, has prompted a flurry of humorous reactions.

Fans create Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or ranking

Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or 'ranking', shared on social media by @trollfootball, placed the Al-Nassr captain a staggering 829 places behind Messi. Fans wasted no time in teasing the former Manchester United star.

When Mourinho explained why Messi would beat Ronaldo to Ballon d'Or count

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@CFCSEZ jokingly inquired:

"Who is the other guy?"

Reacting to Ronaldo's ranking, @greatness0876 couldn't help but laugh:

“🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣”

@apostleofpounds humorously remarked:

"We are so clear."

@Temi_Nuga, in jest, questioned:

"How did he make it to 829? 😭 He should be in 1000+."

@fromknowheir, adding a touch of irony, noted:

"Maguire is above Ronaldo on the Ballon d'Or ranking. What a sad end to the debate."

Bellingham claims Kopa Trophy

Sports Brief also previously reported on Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham claiming the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d'Or gala event on Monday (October 30).

This prestigious accolade - reserved for the most outstanding footballer under the age of 21 - was presented to the Englishman at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.