Lionel Messi set to become first player outside of Europe to win Ballon d'Or

Published at :October 17, 2023 at 8:35 PM

Modified at :October 17, 2023 at 8:35 PM

The Argentine will win his eighth Ballon d'Or, reports suggest

In the coming weeks, Lionel Messi is expected to be awarded his eighth Ballon d'Or, making history by becoming the first player to collect the prestigious prize while competing outside of Europe's elite league.

The Argentine's ninth title increases his standing as the prize's greatest honour recipient, and the 36-year-old is returning the Ballon d'Or when it was given to Karim Benzema of Al-Ittihad in 2022.

After leading Argentina to success at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the former Barcelona star was previously the favourite to win the top prize at the ceremony's event in Paris at the conclusion of October.

Messi moved from the European competition to the MLS after conquering the most prestigious event in football. He joined David Beckham's Inter Miami in the summer transfer window.

The playmaker's immediate influence helped the squad come from the bottom of the field to secure its first Leagues Cup triumph, which had a dramatic impact on the team's midseason fortunes when Messi was signed.

Also making it to the US Open Cup final, Inter Miami fell to Houston Dynamo FC because their key player didn't get to play because of an injury.

According to the Spanish media site SPORT, Aitana Bonmati, who was a key player in Spain's thrilling Women's World Cup triumph in Australia, would probably win the award for women.

After Spain beat England in the World Cup final in August, the Barcelona midfielder was voted Player of the Tournament and won the UEFA Women's Player of the Year award in September.

Since her teammate and fellow countrywoman Alexia Putellas won the prize the previous year, Bonmati will become the second Barcelona player to win the Ballon d'Or in a row.

Messi's longtime ties to the Blaugrana will give the ceremony a "made in Catalonia" flavour, but supporters will have to wait a bit further to witness both Ballon d'Or winners play in the same uniform during the same campaign.