Ballon d’Or: PSG Celebrates Messi, Mbappe, Kolo Muani After Latest Achievements at Awards Gala

• Paris Saint-Germain have congratulated Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Randal Kolo Muani
• Messi won his 8th Ballon d'Or award, while Mbappe finished third in the final award rankings
• Messi and Mbappe played together for two seasons at PSG before the Argentine moved to MLS

Paris Saint-Germain have released a statement to congratulate Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Randal Kolo Muani for their achievements at the 2023 Ballon d'Or Awards.

Messi won an eighth time, beating Manchester City's Erling Haaland and former PSG teammate Mbappe, who were second and third respectively. Kolo Muani placed 29th.

Messi received the 2023 award, perhaps his last for helping Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His win was a bit controversial and some fans felt Haaland deserved it because of his performances for Man City last season.

The Argentine veteran helped Inter Miami win their first trophy by scoring 11 goals in 14 appearances for the Major League Soccer team.

Hazard and Giroud explain why World Cup winner Messi should win Ballon d'Or

Football

He has now won three more Ballon d'Or awards than anyone else. Cristiano Ronaldo is the closest with five awards, with the most recent coming in 2017.

Mbappe became the second man to score a World Cup final hat-trick in the 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Argentina in December 2022, beat Messi to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot, and scored 41 goals for PSG last season.

PSG congratulate Messi, Mbappe

After the conclusion of the ceremony, PSG released a statement to congratulate Messi, Mbappe, and Kolo Muani on their respective successes.

"We are very proud two of our PSG men’s players last season have been recognised on the podium, reflecting the brilliance of both Leo and Kylian. We’re also delighted to see our summer signing Randal recognised, showing the standards of excellence," the statement read, attributed to club CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

Kolo Muani scored 23 goals last season and provided 17 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt, before switching to the Parisians in September.

Messi wins eighth Ballon d'Or as Bonmati claims women's award

Football

PSG will enjoy basking in the current glow of the Ballon d'Or, but may this be the last time before Mbappe switches employees and is paid by the Gallactico's 2.0.

Exciting news! We have a WhatsApp channel 🤩

➡️ click to join our channel for all your favourite sports news.

Mbappe congratulates Messi after Ballon d'Or win

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on France forward, Mbappe congratulating Messi after winning the 2023 Ballon d'Or award on Monday night.

The Argentina and Inter Miami star beat off competition from Mbappe and Man City's Haaland, to scoop the coveted award for an eighth time.

Mbappe and Messi led PSG to Ligue 1 triumph last season, but the former Barcelona forward also saw his nation win the 2022 World Cup.