Ballon d’Or: Messi’s Win Over Haaland Draws Comparison to Ribery in 2013 as Controversy Reigns

• Lionel Messi pipped Erling Haaland to the Ballon d'Or prize this year
• The Argentine clinching the award did seem to ruffle a few feathers
• Fans have drawn a comparison between this year and 2013's edition

Lionel Messi claimed the 2023 Ballon d'Or award in a dazzling ceremony held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, on the night of October 30.

The enigmatic Argentine outshone Manchester City's Erling Haaland - whose fate appeared to mirror Franck Ribery's 2013 situation - and Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe to secure his record-extending eighth golden ball.

This exceptional achievement further cements Messi's legacy as the most decorated player in the history of the Ballon d'Or, widening the gap over his closest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo to three titles.

According to reports from Time Magazine, Messi's exceptional performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup played a significant role in his victory over Haaland, who led Man City to a dominant treble through the 2022/23 season under Pep Guardiola.

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However, fans have drawn parallels between the Norwegian's fate on the night and the incident involving Ribery in 2013 when he lost the award to Ronaldo, who had only won the European Golden Boot and the La Liga trophy in the 2012/13 campaign.

Haaland's fate likened to Ribery's

Ribery, who eventually finished third in the Ballon d'Or voting that year, had a significant impact on Jupp Heynckes' Bayern Munich.

The French star, alongside teammate Arjen Robben, made light work of opponents, including thumping a star-studded Barcelona seven-nil on their way to clinching a historic treble.

While many fans are of the opinion that Ribery deserved the 2013 award, the retired forward previously shared his perspective on the events surrounding the 2013 Ballon d'Or.

According to a post on X by Football Factly, the 2013 UEFA Player of the Year winner expressed his disappointment at finishing third in the award standings:

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"It's a disappointment. It's the biggest injustice of my career, not only for me but for many people. I was at my peak, and I finished third. I had nothing to envy about Ronaldo or Messi that year. I say this because it's the truth."

While the mystery behind Ronaldo pipping Ribery to the award in 2013 remains unsolved, the events that transpired in Paris last night are sure to provide football fans with ample material for future debates and discussions in the times to come.

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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.