The Ballon d’Or award often stirs up passionate debates and a variety of opinions among fans and experts. Lionel Messi is in fierce competition with players like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe for the prestigious title. The final result, which will be announced soon, will undoubtedly be the subject of much discussion and analysis within the football world.
Initially, the Soccer community was divided by the audacious Ballon d’Or 2023 claim made by Lionel Messi’s family friend, calling it an “actual joke”, but now it appears the ‘joke’ is becoming a reality as notable icons approve of Lionel Messi’s coronation as the Best Footballer of the Year for the 8th time.
Thierry Henry claims Lionel Messi deserves to win his 8th Ballon d’Or
The competition for this year’s Ballon d’Or winner is intense, with Erling Haaland emerging as a significant contender to challenge Lionel Messi, the World Cup champion. Despite the fierce competition, Messi has a notable supporter.
Though expressing his regret over France’s loss at the World Cup final, Thierry Henry, the Arsenal great, has unequivocally backed Lionel Messi to win his 8th Ballon d’Or, the highest in history.
The Inter Miami forward is the frontrunner to claim this prestigious annual award this year due to his historic performances at the tournament in Qatar. Messi achieved a significant milestone in his career by becoming a world champion for the first time, thanks to his exceptional performance with six goals, ultimately leading his team to victory.
In a career-defining tournament, Messi displayed exceptional leadership by rallying his teammates after a humiliating loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening game. This remarkable journey led Argentina to the final in Lusail. In the final, Argentina faced France in a memorable match, which ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw in extra time. Ultimately, La Albiceleste emerged victorious in this dramatic encounter.
"Messi. Bye. Over."
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 25, 2023
Thierry Henry believes Lionel Messi deserves to win his 8th Ballon d'Or. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/eUuSuWPneF
Hence, Lionel Messi’s efforts in the competition have significantly contributed to the advantage he has over Erling Haaland in the 2023 Ballon d’Or race. Speaking on CBS Sports, Thierry Henry expressed no doubt about Messi’s claim to the Ballon d’Or this year, stating:
“I mean, a lot of people can debate that, but for me, if you win the World Cup the way he did it, we can talk about what happened in the final. As a Frenchman, I was a little bit disappointed with how it finished, but you can’t say that it isn’t deserved if he wins it.”
Micah Richards backs Lionel Messi over Erling Haaland in Ballon d’Or race
Micah Richards has outlined his reasons for believing that Lionel Messi deserves to win the Ballon d’Or over Erling Haaland.
The winner of the France Football Ballon d’Or award will be announced on Monday, October 30. Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are the heavy favorites for the prestigious accolade.
One of Lionel Messi’s family friends claims that the Argentine icon has been informed he’s won his eighth Ballon d’Or, which would make him the first active MLS player to win the award if confirmed.
Micah Richards is backing Messi to triumph over Haaland, citing Messi’s 2022 FIFA World Cup heroics as a significant factor in his favour. However, he did acknowledge the extraordinary 2022-23 campaign of the Manchester City superstar.
“Any other year he [Haaland] probably gets it [the Ballon d’Or], but I have to agree with you, Messi, with the pressure he had going into that tournament and deliver not only to score goals but his all-around game.”
