Argentine captain Lionel Messi is set to pip Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to win his eighth Ballon d’Or title later this month after the results leaked.
After losing the 2022 award to Karim Benzema, the organizers have informed Messi of his victory ahead of the ceremony taking place in Paris on Monday, October 30, with Spanish outlet SPORT claiming the results for both the mens and women’s awards have already been leaked.
The report states that both Messi and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, who helped Spain secure the Women’s World Cup against England back in August, will be handed the awards at the Chatelet Theatre.
If the leaks are to be believed, it will be Messi’s eighth time securing the trophy and the Inter Miami star would be the first player based outside of Europe to win the Ballon d’Or, which was created in 1956. His last honour came in 2021 after guiding his country to the Copa America title.
The 67th annual ceremony of the Ballon d’Or, for the second time in the award’s history, will be given based on the results of the 2022-23 season, rather than the calendar year.
30 nominees were announced on September 6, 2023, for the chance to be crowned the best footballer in the world. The shortlist included superstars including Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Kevin De Bruyne, with the former being the bookie’s favorite to win.
The Argentine ace had a sensational 2022-23 season, leading his nation to 2022 FIFA World Cup glory. He scored seven goals, including a brace in the final against France to win the second Golden Ball in his storied career.
Moreover, Lionel Messi also had a solid season for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) scoring 21 goals and providing 20 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, helping the French outfit win the Ligue 1 title.
The Argentine forward also joined MLS club Inter Miami as a free agent and has scored 11 goals and registered five assists in 13 appearances, winning the Leagues Cup with his new club.