Lionel Messi will go down in history as the most decorated soccer star of all time. The Argentinian has won trophies all around the world and capped off his career last year after clinching the elusive World Cup title. With the star putting a memorable campaign last season, Messi was in prime contention to lift the Ballon d’Or title for the season. While the player is likely to receive stiff competition from Erling Haaland, Diario Sports reported that the Argentine is set to lift the coveted title.
Following the announcement, there has been an uproar in the soccer community. Fans around the world took to their X handles to express their opinion on Lionel Messi clinching his record 8th Ballon d’Or. If La Pulga lifts the award this season, he will become the first active MLS player to clinch the title.
La Pulga had a sensational campaign in 2022
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Lionel Messi was on a roll last year. The Argentine put up a great performance in the World Cup 2022 helping his side lift the title by defeating defending champion France. Messi played a key role for his team throughout the tournament as he helped them in crunch situations and ended the tournament with 7 goals and three assists.
The player also played a big role for PSG during his last season for the side, with 16 goals and assists each. With the World Cup title to boot, the star is bound to lift the Ballon d’Or award this season. Lionel Messi has received stiff competition from Manchester City’s superstar Erling Haaland, who has been in the form of his life.
The Norwegian striker set the Premier League on fire in his debut season, breaking the record for the most goals in a season. Haaland also helped City clinch a historic treble, keeping him in contention for the coveted Ballon d’Or award. However, with the race more or less over, fans took to social media to voice their opinion on Messi winning his 8th Ballon d’Or.
Fans react as Lionel Messi set to lift 8th Ballon d’Or
Fans have been gushing out about Lionel Messi lifting the Ballon d’Or title award the news broke out last night. Here are some of the best reactions from the fans on La Pulga’s massive achievement.
One fan added that while Messi has surely been one of the best players in the world, winning his 8th Ballon d’Or is an absolutely ridiculous achievement.
For my money, Messi’s been the best player in the world for about 15 years running, but to win 8 Ballon d’Or’s, from aged 23 to 36, is pretty bloody ridiculous.
No one’s ever topping that. https://t.co/4rT3bIHZB2
— Neal 🇦🇺 (@NealGardner_) October 17, 2023
Another user posted a video of Messi while counting down the days before the Argentine lifts the coveted award.
Lionel Messi is winning his 8th Ballon d’Or in 16 more days
The Most in football history 🐐
— Timiskid 🦅🧘♀️🇦🇷 (@Timiskid_Culers) October 14, 2023
Here’s a lengthy fan message for the Argentinian describing his dominance in the past two decades.
👏Congratulations to Lionel Messi for winning his 8th Ballon d'Or, making history with the most wins. It was the easiest win of all time.
🐐Messi is a rare talent that may never be seen for many generations to come. How can one man dominate this sport for three decades? Just… pic.twitter.com/mYeWXkGzUy
— Balde (@Pokerface3964) October 17, 2023
One fan, however, had a different take as he added that if Messi missed out on the award following the hype, it would be nothing less than a robbery.
If Lionel Messi doesn't win the Ballon D'or, It will be the biggest Robbery in Football History#LM8 pic.twitter.com/dUNLOWb8jc
— New Sheriff⚓ (@NewsheriffUtd) October 17, 2023
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One posted an edited image of Lionel Messi sitting in from of all his Ballon d’Or awards from his career.
Lionel Messi wins his 8th Ballon D’or. My GOAT, Your GOAT, Forever the GOAT 🐐 pic.twitter.com/7dTjkL4guy
— Lατιf (@iLatif_) October 17, 2023
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Lionel Messi has undoubtedly had a sensational career over the years. The eighth Ballon d’Or award will see La Pulga steer miles clear of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently second in the race with 5 to his name.
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