Sports
Lionel Messi Wins Record-Extending 8th Ballon D’Or Award
Lionel Messi has won the 2023 Ballon d’Or, making it a record-extending award…
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has won the 2023 Ballon d’Or, making it a record-extending award for the 2022 World Cup winner.
The Inter Miami star was named the winner of the prestigious prize on Monday night in the French city of Paris in what many see as a fitting reward for leading the Abiscelete to a World Cup triumph late last year.
Messi, 36, succeeds Karim Benzema as the winner of the prize awarded for his performances last season when he inspired Argentina to glory at the World Cup.
Leo Messi wins his 8th #BallonDor📷 award!
— VerseNews (@VerseNewsOnline) October 30, 2023
Muslim Airforce | Robbed | THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME Arise TV | Fubara | Victor Osimhen | Muslim Airforce | Robbery | Top 3 pic.twitter.com/cSeZvKEef2
It was his displays in Qatar, when Messi dragged his country to a victory that crowned his remarkable career, that allowed Messi to see off stiff competition from Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in particular.
Haaland came second in the final voting, with Mbappe third and Kevin De Bruyne in fourth place.
Former Barcelona superstar Messi scored seven times at the World Cup and was named the tournament’s best player after Argentina beat France on penalties in the final in Doha.
Yet Messi, who won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009, also had an underwhelming final season at Paris Saint-Germain, before leaving to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
His old PSG teammate Mbappe made his case with his remarkable performances at the World Cup, which he finished as the top scorer on eight goals after netting a hat-trick in the final for France.
Norway striker Haaland scored an incredible 52 goals in 53 games for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s side won the treble of English Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
He and De Bruyne were among members of that City team who were nominated.
BBNaijaS10: Otega and Kayikunmi Evicted From the Reality Show
Otega and Kayikunmi have been evicted from Big Brother Naija Season 10, leaving 24 housemates in the race for the...
How Nigerian Forces Captured ‘Terrorist Leaders’ Abu Bara and Mallam Mamuda, Details Emerge
Nigeria has dealt a heavy blow to terrorists with the capture of “Ansaru leaders” Abu Bara and Mallam Mamuda.
BBNaijaS10: Victory Exposed as Love Triangle With Gigi Jasmine and Sultana Explodes
Victory’s shifting confessions have left Gigi Jasmine embarrassed and Sultana calling out his reckless game.
‘We Were Sexually Abused by Our Chinese Employers in CAR – Rescued Nigerian Workers Cry Out
Twelve Nigerian workers rescued from the Central African Republic have alleged that their Chinese employers sexually abused them while also...
Police Apprehend Suspected Vote Buyer with ₦25.9m in Kaduna
Police in Kaduna have apprehended a suspected vote buyer, Shehu Aliyu Patangi, with ₦25.9 million just hours before Saturday’s by-elections.
‘Make ADC Your Weapon to Remove APC Government’ – Aregbesola Tells Nigerians
Rauf Aregbesola has urged Nigerians to “make ADC your weapon to remove the failed APC government” in 2027...
Nnamdi Kanu’s Wife in Critical Condition Following Surgery Amid Husband’s Continued Detention (Photos)
Uchechi Okwu Kanu, wife of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, is reportedly in critical condition after undergoing surgery...
FG Places Seven-Year Ban on New Federal Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges
FG has banned new federal tertiary institutions for seven years over low enrolment and wasted resources, approving nine private universities...
Delta Governor’s Aide Offers Comfort Emmanson Paid Trip, N500k Job After Prison Release
Delta Governor’s aide Ossai Ovie Success has offered Comfort Emmanson an all-expenses-paid trip to Delta State and a N500,000 monthly...
UEFA Super Cup: PSG Storm Back to Sink Spurs in Penalty Shoot-Out After 2-2 Draw
PSG came from two goals down to beat Spurs 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, with debut goalkeeper Lucas...