Top Moments From 2022–23 Season That Makes Lionel Messi the Top Contender for 2023 Ballon d’Or Award

Just a few days remain until the 2023 Ballon d’Or. The anticipation among soccer fans around the globe is tangible as they desperately await the announcement of this year’s winner. Among the esteemed nominees, Lionel Messi’s name shines like a beacon. The gossip surrounding the possibility of the Argentinian superstar claiming his eighth Ballon d’Or continues to bulge.

While the other half of the soccer world is backing contenders like Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe, Messi stands out for the win. In the lead-up to the grand announcement, let’s dive into some of the top moments from the 2022–23 season that make Messi the leading candidate for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award.

1) Lionel Messi vs Mexico

This was the game that decided Argentina’s fate in the World Cup. La Albiceleste faced a tough start, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Mexico managed to escape with a draw against Poland after a close call. The stakes were high, and their World Cup dreams were already on the line.

However, enter Messi, who stepped up for his side and finally broke the deadlock in the second half. Thankfully, Enzo Fernandez’s strike in the final moments of the game was the cherry on top, as Argentina won 2-0. Nevertheless, the goal from Messi from way outside the box was the highlight.

2) Messi vs France in the FIFA World Cup final

This was another edge-of-the-seat fixture that saw both sides grappling to clinch the Golden Trophy. The 2018 World Champions were in the mood to lift another trophy. Meanwhile, La Albiceleste was keen to break their 36-year exile. While Messi’s penalty and Di Maria’s perfect finish gave Argentina an easy lead, Kylian Mbappe’s quality was a formidable foe, after he scored a brace in just two minutes, sending the game to extra time.

Messi reignited the hopes of Argentina with his goal in extra time, but the French Bugatti completed his hattrick to deny an early victory. Finally, in the penalties, France was denied the opportunity to scrap Argentina’s plans as Messi and Co. finally won the coveted trophy.

3) Scoring a free kick in the dying minutes against Lille

The 2022–23 season for PSG was nothing less than a rollercoaster ride. The Parisians won Ligue 1 by a margin of just a single point. They ended their domestic campaign at the top with 85 points, with Lens finishing second with 84 points. Things could have gone south for the French giants if Messi hadn’t scored a free kick in the dying moments of an enthralling match.

This dates back to February, during PSG’s home clash against LOSC Lille. In an intense match, the score remained 3-3 until, in the 90+5 minute, Messi was fouled and was awarded a free kick just a few meters outside the box. Subsequently, the little magician took the responsibility and struck a low finish that took the deflection from the bottom right corner and went back into the net, handing over three crucial points to his side.

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4) Inter Miami debut vs Cruz Azul

The Leagues Cup fixture between Inter Miami and Cruz Azul was straight out of Hollywood. Not only was it a crucial match for Miami, but it was also for Messi, who made his debut for the Herons. Tata Martino finally thought of unleashing his biggest weapon, as in the 54th minute, Lionel Messi entered the pitch.

Sadly, Miami conceded a goal minutes after his arrival, giving Messi a mission to help his side win. Certainly, the 36-year-old was able to turn things around, as in the 90+4th minute, Miami won a free kick just meters outside the box. Without any mistake, the skipper was able to strike the ball into the top left corner, giving the keeper no chance whatsoever to save it. The final whistle blew as Miami won 2-1.

The rest, as they say, is history, as Messi won the Leagues Cup with the Florida side. The Argentinian also managed to improve Inter Miami as a team, as the club managed to win its first trophy as well.

5) Argentina vs Italy Finalissima

Messi’s international fate was unlocked after he finally clinched the much-awaited Copa America in 2019, defeating arch-nemesis Brazil. After this triumph, a new tournament came into play, namely ‘Finalissima.’ The contest saw the winners of both the UEFA Euro and the Copa America play against each other.

With Italy winning the Euros, they faced Argentina in an intercontinental match. Once again, La Albiceleste came on top as they defeated the Italians 3-0. Goals from Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria, and Paulo Dybala helped them clinch an easy win. Although Messi didn’t score, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was the one who pulled the strings at Wembley Stadium, giving two crucial assists.

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Be that as it may, these are some of the priceless moments from the 2022–23 campaign of Lionel Messi, making his case strong enough to lift the 2023 Ballon d’Or.