Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players, holding a record eight Ballon d'Or awards.

He has won 10 La Liga, 4 Champions League, and 7 Copa del Rey titles throughout his career.

Messi has led Argentina to international victories, including the 2022 World Cup and Copa America.

He is the most decorated footballer in history, with 44 major trophies.

Lionel Messi's career achievements make a strong case for him being the world's number one football player.

Lionel Messi is known for his exceptional skills, combining dribbling, speed, and vision.

Messi's playing style is characterized by exceptional dribbling, close ball control, and lightning-fast speed.

He has remarkable vision and passing accuracy, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

He is a versatile player who can play in various positions and has scored over 700 official goals.

Messi excels at scoring goals from direct free-kicks with an unmatched success rate.

He is renowned for his clinical finishing and exceptional shooting accuracy.

Lionel Messi has won the "Balloon d'Or" award a record seven times.

He is nicknamed "GOAT" by the international press and public due to his incredible skills and achievements.

Lionel Messi is one of the most decorated players in history, with numerous local, continental, and international titles.

Lionel Messi's exceptional dribbling and playmaking skills have been unmatched, inspiring millions of fans worldwide.

He has won the Ballon d'Or a record seven times, drawing comparisons to Diego Maradona as a football icon.

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as a hero in Argentina and synonymous with football excellence.

He has demonstrated a growth mindset, inspiring young players with his belief that talent can be developed through dedication and hard work.

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time due to his achievements and influence on the sport.

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players, holding a record eight Ballon d'Or awards.

Title:

Content: Messi won the eighth Ballon d ’ Or.
Who was his rival and why did the Argentine win again?
Argentinian Lionel Messi for the eighth time became the owner of the “Golden ball ”
Striker “Inter Miami ” and the national football team of Argentina Lionel Messi for the eighth time in his career became the owner of the“ Golden ball ”.
This is reported by the correspondent of “Tape.ru ”.
The award ceremony was held on Monday, October 30, at the Paris musical theater “Châtelet ”.
Earlier, Messi was recognized seven times as the best footballer in the world.
It happened in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2021.
Last season, the winner of the award was the Frenchman Karim Benzema, who plays for the Saudi “Al-Ittihad ”.
The list of candidates for the “Golden ball ” consisted of 30 players
Messi was considered an unconditional favorite, among the contenders also stood out the Norwegian forward of Manchester City Erling Holand and the French forward of PSG Kilian Mbappe.
The player of the English club last season won with the "citizens" the championship and the Cup of the country, as well as the Champions League.
In the Premier League, the Norwegian scored a record 36 goals, and in the main club European tournament he became the top scorer with 12 goals.
Mbappe became the champion of France with PSG.
In addition, as part of the national team, the striker reached the final of the World Cup in Qatar, where he scored a hat-trick.
In total, the striker scored eight times at the World Cup and became the top scorer of the tournament.
The portal Transfermarkt estimates the cost of Mbappe and Holland at 180 million euros for each player.
They are the most expensive players in the world at the moment.
Portuguese striker “Al-Hilal ” Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time in 19 years was out of the list of nominees for the“ Golden ball ”.
Previously, he won the award five times, the last time it happened in 2017.
Last season Messi for the first time in his career became the world champion
Messi last season took the main title in his career at the international level.
The Argentine, together with the national team, became the world champion.
The forward made a double in the final, and in total he scored seven goals in the tournament and made three assists.
For the second time in his career, he was recognized as the best football player of the World Cup
Last season Messi was a teammate of Mbappe in PSG and also won the French championship.
He also became the best assistant of the tournament.
In June, the Argentine left the Paris club and, as a free agent, joined Inter Miami, playing in the North American Major League (MLS).
The Ballon d'Or was established by France Football magazine in 1956.
For the first 39 years, it could only be obtained by European football players from European clubs.
However, the rules were changed in 1995.
From that point on, the nationality of the player no longer mattered, but the challenger had to play in the Old World.
From 2010 to 2015, a joint award was presented - the best player was determined by France Football together with FIFA.
Since 2016, the magazine again became the sole founder of the prize
Messi ’ s closest pursuer in terms of the number of Golden Balls won is Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo, he has five titles.
Three Soviet players also won the prestigious award: Igor Belanov, Oleg Blokhin and Lev Yashin.
The latter is still the only goalkeeper to receive the award.
The good tape is deactivated.
Welcome to the real world.

Title:

Content: Messi wins The Best FIFA Men’s Player of the Year

Inter Miami and Argentina forward Lionel Messi has been named The Best FIFA Men’s Player of the Year for 2023.

The 36-year-old fended off competition from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe to retain the award he also claimed last year.

In total, Messi has now won the award three times since it was introduced in 2016, moving out on his own above Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski as the player with the outright most The Best FIFA Men’s Player titles.

The voting for the gong was split between fans, players, managers and journalists, with the period under consideration starting the day after the 2022 World Cup final, which saw Messi lift the trophy, and ending on August 20, 2023.

During that time, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner helped PSG to win the Ligue 1 title, before moving to MLS side Inter Miami, where he quickly won the Leagues Cup to add to his trophy haul – the day before the voting period ended.

The voting period also saw Messi score his 700th  career club goal, 800th  career goal in total and 100th international goal, as well as registering his 1,000th  direct club goal involvement.

Read Also: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland finalists for FIFA Best award

However, is The Best FIFA Men’s Player award came as some surprise considering he was up against Haaland, who scored 52 goals in 53 games to help Man City win the treble last season.

The Norway international led the charge as Pep Guardiola’s men lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

Mbappe, meanwhile, netted 41 times in 43 games across all competitions in 2022-23, helping PSG to the Ligue 1 title alongside Messi.

ALL THE WINNERS

FIFA Best Men’s Player-Lionel Messi(Argentina)

FIFA Best  Women’s Player-Aitana Bonmati (Spain)

FIFA Best Men’s Goalkeeper-Ederson (Manchester City ).

FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper- Mary Earps(England).

FIFA Best Women’s Coach- Sarina Wiegman  (England).

FIFA Men’s Coach of the Year- Pep Guardiola (Man City)

FIFA Fair Play Award –Brazil national team

FIFA Puskas Award- Guilherme Madruga (Botafogo)

FIFA Fan Award- Hugo Daniel Iniguez

FIFA Special Award- Marta (Brazil)

Abuja doctor reveals a unique way to permanently cure weak erection, small and shameful manhood, and infertility issues without side effects within a short period. Click now to see!!

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter

* indicates required

Title:

Content: Lionel Messi was selected for the 2023 Ballon d'Ors, the eighth time in his career, as expected.
Comprehensive Messi's performance in the past year, the most dazzling is to lead Argentina to win the World Cup in Qatar, which is the first time Messi has won the World Cup, and it is also the last mile of his road to glory, rewriting a number of world football records, his No. 10 Argentina jersey (sponsor Adidas) once sold out of stock.
Despite scoring less than Premier League striker Erling Haaland last season, Messi still won the biggest prize with his impressive World Cup performance, competing against his former teammate Kylian Mbappe, who lost to Argentina in the World Cup final with France.
Halland was honored with the Müller Award (Best Frontline Award), and his "Blue Moon" Manchester City was selected as the best men's football team.
Messi said: “Thank you to everyone who voted for me, as well as my Argentina teammates and coaching staff.
I also congratulate Harland and Mbappe, it has been a wonderful year, I will never forget. "Messi said when receiving the award that the only regret of his football career is the World Cup champion, he thanked his wife for supporting him all the way to the championship, and his new American club Miami International, which he will take a week off to enjoy.
The Ballon d'Or was awarded by the prestigious magazine Football France. The Ballon d'Or was once merged with FIFA's World Footballer of the Year award to become the FIFA Ballon d'Or.
Messi ’ s eight wins are the most in history, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo ’ s five.
# Messi # Golden Globes # World Football # FIFA

Title:

Content: Gaspacho
Blog
Lionel Messi needs one trophy to collect the full collection, Cristiano Ronaldo already has one
Lionel Messi is on the verge of an outstanding achievement.
During his incredible career, the Argentine has won many trophies, he lacks only one to become the owner of the full collection of awards.
Leo already has a record 8 Ballons d ’ Or, a World Cup win, four Champions League titles, 10 La Liga championships and 2 Ligue 1.
But among this sea of trophies is not enough “Golden foot ”.
This prestigious award recognizes players not only for their sportsmanship, but also for their outstanding personalities and contributions to football.
The award is given only to current players aged 28 years and older, it can be received only once.
Journalists choose 10 contenders, and the winner is determined through online voting, allowing fans from all over the world to make their choice.
While players such as Robert Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah and Messi ’ s longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo have already won the trophy, Leo himself has not yet won it.
Although he remains the main contender for the “Golden foot ” at the end of the outgoing year.

Title:

Content: Sports News
Messi continues to make history with the eighth Ballon d'Or
Thank you for reading the news about the continued history of the eighth golden ball and now we start with the most important and last details
Al Khaleej 365 - Abu Dhabi - Argentine star Lionel Messi set a new record in his football career by winning the Golden Ball for the eighth time, confirming his position as the most crowned player in history.
The crowning of the former legend, and the American Inter Miami player, during the ceremony organized by the French magazine France Football on Monday, in the French capital Paris, to announce the best player from the list of 30 names revealed earlier.
Thus, the Argentine player, who led his country to achieve the title of the World Cup 2022, continued the march of his achievements after reaching his balance in the coronation of the Golden Ball to eight times, surpassing his opponent, who was crowned five times.
The 36-year-old Messi is making history again, becoming the first player to win the Ballon d'Or from outside Europe.
He also becomes the first player to achieve the Ballon d'Or with three different clubs, Barcelona, Paris, Inter Miami, and in three different decades.
Advertisements
You may also read.

He has won 10 La Liga, 4 Champions League, and 7 Copa del Rey titles throughout his career.

Title:

Content: What Was Lionel Messi Known For?

News

What Was Lionel Messi Known For?

Lionel Messi, the Argentine football superstar, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Known for his exceptional skills, agility, and goal-scoring ability, Messi has left an indelible mark on the world of football. From his early days at FC Barcelona to his international success with the Argentine national team, Messi’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi showed immense talent from a young age. He joined the Barcelona youth academy, La Masia, at the age of 13, where he honed his skills and developed his unique playing style. Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2004, at the age of 17, and quickly became a key player for the club.

Playing Style and Skills
Messi is known for his exceptional dribbling ability, close ball control, and lightning-fast speed. His low center of gravity allows him to change direction quickly, leaving defenders in his wake. His vision and passing accuracy are also remarkable, enabling him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. However, it is his goal-scoring prowess that truly sets him apart. Messi has an incredible ability to find the back of the net, often with stunning precision and creativity.

Records and Achievements
Throughout his career, Messi has shattered numerous records and achieved countless milestones. He has won numerous individual awards, including the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or, which he has claimed a record-breaking seven times. Messi has also led Barcelona to numerous domestic and international titles, including ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles.

FAQ

Q: What is Messi’s playing position?
A: Messi primarily plays as a forward or attacking midfielder, but his versatility allows him to excel in various positions on the field.

Q: Has Messi ever won the FIFA World Cup?
A: Despite his immense success at the club level, Messi has yet to win the FIFA World Cup with the Argentine national team. However, he has led Argentina to the finals in 2014 and has won several other international tournaments, including the Copa America.

Q: How many goals has Messi scored in his career?
A: As of 2021, Messi has scored over 700 goals in official matches for both club and country.

In conclusion, Lionel Messi is known for his exceptional skills, agility, and goal-scoring ability. His playing style, records, and achievements have solidified his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Whether it is his mesmerizing dribbles or his ability to find the back of the net, Messi’s impact on the sport will be remembered for generations to come.

Title:

Content: List of all 44 major trophies won by Lionel Messi since 2004

Lionel Messi

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Lionel Messi won his latest career trophy when he captained Inter Miami to cup glory over the weekend.

Messi officially has 44 titles in close to two decades, making him the most decorated footballer in history. His first trophy was back in 2004.

The Leagues Cup was his first trophy on American soil and comes just over a month since his arrival in South Florida.

Last year, the Argentine captain got his hands on the World Cup after several tries as his side defeated France in a tense final.

List of trophies Messi has won since 2004

a. 10 La Liga titles

b. Seven Copa Del Reys

c. Eight Spanish Super Cups

d. Three FIFA Club World Cups

e. Three UEFA Super Cups

f. The FIFA World Cup

g. The Finalissima

h. The Copa America

i. Olympic Gold

j. U20 World Cup

k. Two Ligue 1 titles and

l. One Trophée de Champions.

m. our Champions League wins

Goal.com report on Inter Miami final triumph

Inter Miami have added the first piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet. Just a few short weeks ago, that seemed almost unfathomable. The worst team in MLS taking down every opponent in their path on their way to a trophy? Come on!

A few short weeks ago, though, they didn't have Lionel Messi. They sure do now.

Messi was, unsurprisingly, the star of the show once again as Miami took down Nashville SC at Geodis Park, scoring a stunning goal to kickstart a match that finished 1-1 through 90 minutes. The goal was quintessential Messi: minimal space, a curling shot and no chance for the opposing goalkeeper.

A scrappy goal kept Nashville in the contest, but, even as the match went to penalties, there was no stopping Messi and co. It was a historically good shootout, too, as all 22 players took turns from the spot. Messi, of course, scored his as Miami's first taker, but it wasn't until Nashville SC goalkeeper Elliot Panicco saw his shot saved by Drake Callendar that Miami could celebrate their trophy.

Messi was once again the key to it all. There were few signature moments in the match, and Callendar will certainly go down as the hero, but Messi has done it again. New team, same result: trophy in hand.

SARA
Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Title:

Content: Some are hard to break.
Messi ’ s best records on his 37th birthday
2024-06-24 | 06: 20
Alsumaria News – Sport
Lionel Messi ’ s record has reached a staggering 37, with more to be added during his current appearance at the 2024 Copa América in the United States.
This coincides with the celebration of the Argentine football legend's 37th year on Monday, June 24, 2024.
In Argentina's first match against Canada (2 – 0), Messi became the most played player in the history of the tournament (35 games).
He aspires to become the tournament ’ s historic scorer, surpassing compatriot Tocho Mendez and Brazilian Zizinho (17 goals), who has so far scored 13 goals.
Lionel Messi ’ s record was set by the Argentinian flea at the start of his professional football career in Barcelona in 2004, which lasted until 2021, where he won all the individual and collective awards, most notably the historical hexagon in 2009 and the second historical treble in 2015.
He then moved to Paris Saint-Germain due to economic problems in Barcelona, and played in France until 2023, and after winning the World Cup in Qatar 2022, he decided to end his career in the ranks of Inter Miami.
* Lionel Messi 's most notable records:
Official Titles:
He holds the highest number of official titles in history (44).
Golden Ball: The most awarded Golden Ball (8).
The Golden Shoe: The Most Winning Golden Shoe (6)
Goals in a calendar year: He entered the Guinness Book of World Records with 91 goals in 2012.
International matches:
The player with the most matches with the Albesiliste (183).
International Goals:
Most goals scored with Argentina (108).
Argentina World Cup goalscorer: 13 goals.
Registration for four World Cups: 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Argentina's youngest goalscorer at the World Cup: 18 years, 357 days.
South America's top scorer for the World Cup:
31 goals.
Number of World Cups: 5.
Number of matches in the World Cup: 26.
Most minutes in the World Cup: 2,314 minutes.
Number of times as captain in the World Cup: 19 games.
Crucial goals and passes at the World Cup: 13 goals and 8 passes (most)
World Cup Ballon d'Or: Won twice (2014 and 2022).
Player of the Match Award in the World Cup: 14 times.
Registration in different stages of the World Cup in the same version.
Lionel Messi ’ s World Cup record: scoring at different ages.
The longest time between the first and last goal of the World Cup: 16 years, 6 months and 2 days.
First scoring in the highest number of World Cup matches: 8.
Most scoring captain in the World Cup final: 2 goals.
Copa America: 35 games.
Number of crucial passes in the Copa America: 18.
Highest number of La Liga titles for foreigners: 10.
Top scorer for the same team:
672 goals for Barcelona.
Spanish league goalscorer: 474 goals.
History of Spain: 26 goals.
Most goals in a season of La Liga: 50 goals (2011 – 12).
Most assists in a season of La Liga: 21 (2019 / 20).
Crucial passes in La Liga: 193.
Spanish football: 36 times.
Successive goals in La Liga matches: scored in 21 consecutive matches (2012 / 13 season).
Pechichi Award as Lagha goalscorer: 8 times.
Top scorer in the Champions League with the same club: 120 goals with Barcelona.
Goals in the largest number of clubs in the Champions League: 40 teams.
Fastest scoring 100 goals in the Champions League: 123 games.
Lionel Messi ’ s record makes him an unforgettable legend in the world of football.
These numbers are not just statistics, they are a testament to the dedication, talent and superior ability to shine through the toughest situations and biggest tournaments.
With his many achievements, Messi remains a symbol of creativity and sporting excellence, and continues to inspire future generations of footballers around the world.
As he continues to play in tournaments, we can expect more historic moments and records to add to his impressive record.
Alsumaria Tv https: / / www.alsumaria.tv / authors
> > Join Alsumaria on WhatsApp
+ A
-A
More...
Aye.
Aye.
Oh, no
Oh, no
I agree with a condition.
I agree with a condition.
The results reflect the views of the participants and are not a measure of public opinion.
The results reflect the views of the participants and are not a measure of public opinion.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Join millions of followers.
SIGN UP
Download Alsumaria App
The First Source of Iraq News
Subscribe to Telegram
Live and daily updates

Title:

Content: Barcelona (dpa)
The official website of the Spanish football club Barcelona reviewed the achievements of Argentine magician Lionel Messi, and his records during his busy career with the team
The club announced the collapse of contract renewal talks with the player due to "financial and structural obstacles".
Barcelona wrote that the legend Messi holds all the major records in the history of FC Barcelona, having the most games with the team, scoring the most goals, winning the most victories and, most of all, winning the most titles in the club ’ s 121-year history.
Messi has not only broken records in the club ’ s history, he has also not broken local records, but he has a huge number of world and European records.
Barcelona stressed in his website that Messi is not an ordinary footballer, but he is the best in the history of the round witch ever, which was proved by many facts, which the club talked about at length.
Barcelona revealed that Messi is the most crowned "Ballon d'Or", awarded to the best player in the world, after receiving it six times in 2009 and 2010.
2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019
Messi is the only player in history, who collected during one season between the Golden Ball awards, awarded annually by the French magazine « France Football » to the best player in the world, and the best player in the world, provided by the International Federation of Football « FIFA » annually, and the scorer of the season in the Spanish league, and the golden shoes as the best scorers of the season in European leagues, in the 2009-2010 season.
Messi was the youngest player to win three gold balls, aged 24 years, 6 months and 17 days when he won the award for the third time in his career on 9 January 2012.
Messi holds the record as the most Golden Boot winner, having won it six times, and another record is for scoring the most goals in various official competitions during one season.
When he scored 73 goals in all competitions in the 2011-12 season, 50 goals in La Liga, 14 goals in the Champions League, 3 goals in the King's Cup, 1 in the Spanish Super, 1 in the European Super, and 2 in the Club World Cup.
According to the Barcelona website, Messi scored the most goals during the year, when he scored 91 official goals in 2012, and scored the highest number of international goals in the same year with 25 goals, 13 goals in the Champions League with Barcelona, and 12 goals with Argentina, to share the record with the late English striker Vivian Woodward, who scored the same number of international goals in 1909.
Messi achieved a record that remained steadfast for many years, after becoming the most scoring player with one team in various international and domestic championships, after reaching 672 goals with Barcelona in all competitions, surpassing the record held by the Brazilian legend Pele, who scored 643 goals with his Brazilian team Santos between 1956 and 1974.
Messi also set a second record, having the longest scoring streak in La Liga, after scoring 33 goals in 21 consecutive games in the competition, from stage 11 to stage 34 in the 2012-13 season.
Messi scored the most goals in a single season in a European league, after scoring 50 goals for Barcelona in La Liga.
From 2011 to 2012, Messi scored the biggest number of competitors in the Champions League, after scoring in 36 different opponents, surpassing his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo, the star of Real Madrid, former English Manchester United and the current Italian Juventus, who scored in 35 different competitions.
Messi is the most crowned player with domestic and international titles with a La Liga team, having won 35 titles with Barcelona, three times ahead of his closest former Barcelona teammate Andreas Iniesta.
Messi has won 10 La Liga titles, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 7 Copa del Rey titles, 4 Champions League titles, 3 Club World Cups and 3 European Super Cups.
Messi won the most number of Spanish league goalscorer awards, after winning them in
Eight seasons, the last of which was last season, also tops the list of historical goals of the tournament, having scored 474 goals in 520 games played in the competition with Barcelona.
Messi is the holder of the highest number of goals scored by a player in the Spanish league in various official competitions, with 672 goals, and is also the most scoring player in the Spanish league in international tournaments with 128 goals, 120 goals in the Champions League, 3 goals in the European Super League, and 5 goals in the Club World Cup.
Messi holds another record in La Liga, where he is the most winning player in the tournament, having achieved 383 victories, while he played the largest number of games of the competition with Barcelona, with 778 games, 11 games ahead of his closest pursuers retired teammate Xavi Hernandez.
Of course, Messi tops the list of Barcelona scorers in the Champions League, with a balance
120 goals, surpassing by an overwhelming margin his closest pursuers, retired Brazilian star Rivaldo and Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, current Atletico Madrid player, who scored 25 goals in the continental championship.

Messi has led Argentina to international victories, including the 2022 World Cup and Copa America.

He is the most decorated footballer in history, with 44 major trophies.

Title:

Content: Messi became the most titled footballer in history
Inter Miami striker Lionel Messi became the most titled player in history.
In the League Cup final, his team beat Nashville (1: 1, 10: 9 on penalties).
For the Argentine, this is the 44th trophy of his career.
During his career, Messi won 10 times the Spanish Championship, four times the Champions League, seven times the Cup and eight times the Spanish Super Cup, 3 times the Club World Cup and the European Super Cup.
Twice he became the champion of France and once won the Cup of the country.
As part of the Argentina national team, Messi won the World Cup, the Copa America, the Olympics, the World Youth Championship and the Finalissima.
Earlier, Messi spoke about the level of football in the United States of America.
A mistake in the text?
Select it and press “Ctrl + Enter ”
Today in the media
• News feed
• Picture of the day
This site uses cookies
Confirm

Lionel Messi's career achievements make a strong case for him being the world's number one football player.

Title:

Content: Lionel Messi Wins The ‘Best FIFA Men’s Player’ Award

7

London: The Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has been crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2023, retaining the title he won in 2022.

Messi has been bestowed with the honour once again following another qualifying period where he dazzled football fans across the globe. Messi was recognised for his achievements at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in London, having come out on top in the voting ahead of finalists Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

The voting breakdown showed Messi and Haaland with 48 points each after voting by a global panel of national team coaches and captains, selected journalists, plus fans online. The tiebreaker was whoever had more first-place or “5-point” scores from the votes of national team captains. That category was 107 to 64 for the Inter Miami forward.

Messi also won the 2019 Best FIFA Men’s Player award and was recognised by FIFA as the leading player in the men’s game on five occasions before that – 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015 – making this his eighth individual award in total.

Breaking

Title:

Content: Most MVP awards in major sports: How Lionel Messi Ballon d'Or wins compares with NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL

(SN/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi's status as a sporting great was cemented long before he was installed as the favourite for this year's Ballon d'Or and named in the running for the MLS MVP (Most Valuable Player) award.

Beyond the binary choice many believe there is between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest 21st-century footballer, there is a more complicated debate to be had around the Argentina captain's achievements among the greatest of all time from any sport.

Messi could become the MVP in the US for the first time if he does so with Inter Miami. He's already won world football's equivalent honour more often than any other player, and October 30 could see him lift the prize for the eighth time.

So, how does Messi's Ballon d'Or tally stack up against the most frequent MVPs of NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB? The Sporting News takes a look at the numbers.

Lionel Messi Ballon d'Or wins: How often has he been football's MVP?

Messi is the most successful player in Ballon d'Or history, winning the most prestigious individual honour in world football seven titles between 2009 and 2021. Ronaldo has won it five times.

Six of Messi's Ballon d'Or title wins came as a Barcelona player. His 2021 win came after he joined Paris Saint-Germain.

Here are his finishes in the vote.

1st Place 2nd Place  3rd Place
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 2007

How many times has Messi been MVP in the domestic game?

The club MVP award Messi has won is the La Liga Best Player award, which he won nine times while playing for Barcelona in the Spanish top flight.

The award was only first distributed in 2009 — Messi made his Barca debut six years earlier — and was known as the MVP award from the 2016/17 season.

He also won the Copa America Best Player award in 2015 and 2021, recognising him as the star of the South American international football competition, which Argentina won in the latter of those years. He was also named the best player at the 2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

Messi was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009 and the Best FIFA Men's Player honour in 2019 and 2022.

Here's when Messi was the MVP in domestic competition.

  • 2008–09
  • 2009–10
  • 2010–11
  • 2011–12
  • 2012–13
  • 2014–15
  • 2016–17
  • 2017–18
  • 2018–19

MORE: Ballon d'Or 2023 nominees

Who has been MVP most in NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL?

In the NBA, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was named MVP six times between 1971 and 1980, three each with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.

Bill Russell, of the Boston Celtics, was one behind with five between 1958 and 1965, and Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan matched Russell's tally between 1988 and 1998.

LeBron James is the nearest modern player to Abdul-Jabbar's astonishing total, winning MVP twice each with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat between 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013.

Quarterback Peyton Manning remains the player with the most NFL MVP titles, winning it with the Indiana Colts in 2003, 2004, 2008 and 2009, and Denver Broncos in 2013 to make five in total.

(Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers — now a veteran with the New York Jets — is one behind thanks to his achievements with the Green Bay Packers between 2011 and 2021, while Tom Brady is one of four players to have won it three times.

In baseball, left fielder Barry Bonds is the runaway record-holder with seven MVP awards between 1990 and 2004.

Bonds won the award twice with the Pittsburgh Pirates and five times with the San Francisco Giants, and his run of four consecutive victories between 2001 and 2004 puts him four ahead of any other player.

They're a distant second in the totals, but three players have picked up a hat-trick of wins: Mike Trout between 2014 and 2019, Albert Pujols between 2005 and 2009, and Alex Rodriguez from 2003 to 2007.

The Hart Memorial Trophy in hockey's NHL has been dominated by Wayne Gretzky, who was named MVP eight times with the Edmonton Oilers and once with the Los Angeles Kings between 1980 and 1989.

Gretzky's extraordinary run of brilliance meant he won the trophy every year during the 1980s except 1988 and is three ahead of Gordie Howe, the winner six times with the Detroit Red Wings between 1952 and 1963.

Eddie Shore is outright third in the running with four MVP titles for the Boston Bruins during the 1930s. Two modern players are among those to have won it three times: Alexander Ovechkin with the Washington Capitals between 2008 and 2013, and Connor McDavid with the Oilers from 2017 to 2023.

If we take the Ballon d'Or as a comparable award to those MVP prizes, Messi needs one more to move outright second in our list, and two to draw level with 'The Great One'.

Player Sport MVP awards
Wayne Gretzky Hockey 9
Lionel Messi Football/soccer 7
Barry Bonds Baseball 7
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Basketball 6
Peyton Manning American football 5

Will Messi be the MLS MVP for 2023?

Despite only having played six games in the league at the time, Messi was one of 30 candidates drawn up in October 2023 for the MVP award after being nominated by Inter Miami.

The prolific forward, who helped Miami win the Leagues Cup but missed out on the playoffs with his new club, did not make the shortlist. FC Cincinnati's Luciano Acosta, Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga of LAFC, and Atlanta's Thiago Almada — a compatriot of Messi — make up the final three.

Messi could, however, win the Newcomer of the Year award, in which he is competing with St Louis City midfielder Eduard Lowen and Atlanta United striker Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Who has won the most Ballon d'Or awards?

Rank Player Ballon d'Or
wins
Years won
1. Lionel Messi 7 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012,
2015, 2019, 2021
2. Cristiano Ronaldo 5 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016,
2017
3. Michel Platini 3 1983, 1984, 1985
  Johan Cruyff 3 1971, 1973, 1974
  Marco van Basten 3 1988, 1989, 1992
6. Franz Beckenbauer 2 1972, 1976
  Ronaldo 2 1997, 2002
  Alfredo Di Stefano 2 1957, 1959
  Kevin Keegan 2 1978, 1979
  Karl-Heinz Rummenigge 2 1980, 1981
Author(s)

Ben Miller is a content producer for The Sporting News.

Lionel Messi is known for his exceptional skills, combining dribbling, speed, and vision.

Messi's playing style is characterized by exceptional dribbling, close ball control, and lightning-fast speed.

He has remarkable vision and passing accuracy, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

He is a versatile player who can play in various positions and has scored over 700 official goals.

Messi excels at scoring goals from direct free-kicks with an unmatched success rate.

Title:

Content: Create

"He is able to hit 15-20m" - French pundit heaps praise on 'impressive' PSG superstar Lionel Messi

French pundit Rio Mavuba has been impressed by Lionel Messi's form for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this season.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner scored from a direct free-kick in a 2-1 win for the Parisian giants over OGC Nice in Ligue 1 on Saturday (October 1).

Mavuba believes that Messi has finally found his feet in Ligue 1 after an underwhelming debut season in the French capital.

Speaking to Telefoot, Rio Mavuba was quoted as saying the following (via Telefoot on Twitter):

"This year, he is impressive. He has found his legs, he has found very strong support, he is able to hit 15-20m. (...) It's nice to see him at this level."
"Cette année, il est impressionnant. Il a retrouvé des jambes, il a retrouvé des appuis très forts, il est capable de percuter sur 15-20m. (...) Cela fait plaisir de le voir à ce niveau-là."@riomavuba sur Lionel Messi https://t.co/lvrFyKxQcG

PSG recorded their eighth win in the league by securing a narrow victory over Nice. Kylian Mbappe came off the bench to net the winner with just 17 minutes remaining on the clock to hand his side a 2-1 win.

Christophe Galtier's side are now two points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 charts, having amassed 25 points from their opening nine games of the new season.

Lionel Messi has been one of PSG's best players this season

Lionel Messi has made an incredible start to the 2022-23 season for PSG. The Argentine forward has consistently scored goals and provided assists for his fellow attackers and has played a crucial role in his side's unbeaten start to the season.

As things stand, Messi has scored seven goals and provided eight assists from 12 appearances across all competitions.

Lionel Messi's form in Ligue 1 has been exceptional. The former FC Barcelona skipper has only gone two games without making a goal contribution. He has now scored two goals in two consecutive games in the league.

Messi scored the only goal of the game against Olympique Lyonnais in a 1-0 win for PSG prior to the international break.

Lionel Messi also had a great outing against Maccabi Haifa in the UEFA Champions League. The Argentine skipper scored a goal and provided an assist in a 3-1 win for the Parisian giants in Group H of the tournament.

Lionel Messi has been used in a slightly deeper role by new PSG manager Christophe Galtier. This tactical tweak has seen Messi flourish alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr.

Both Neymar and Mbappe have scored 11 goals each this season. Neymar has also chipped in with eight assists.

Paul Merson predicts Man City vs Man Utd, Arsenal vs Tottenham and other GW 9 matches! Click here

Edited by Yasho Amonkar

Quick Links

More from Sportskeeda
Fetching more content...

He is renowned for his clinical finishing and exceptional shooting accuracy.

Title:

Content: Missy.
France vs Argentina.
Messi keeps the best in his pocket until the end.
Messi scored 5 goals and made 3 in 6 matches in 2022.
As if he didn ’ t offer enough magic moments, Argentine genius Lionel Messi kept what might be the most poetic scenario of his last World Cup appearance, waiting to write the last line.
Messi, 35, who is under heavy pressure to match Diego Maradona ’ s achievement and win the title, has starred in Qatar while other stars such as Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo have bailed out.
From the start to the semi-final victory over Croatia, Messi, whose career is nearing its end, was the only star of the tournament.
His stats speak for themselves as he has been a starter in six games, scoring five goals and making three to lead Argentina to Sunday's final against France.
Messi, who has broken many records, has surpassed the number of World Cup appearances and goals recorded by Maradona and will become the most competitive player in the tournament on Sunday, surpassing the record set by Lotar Mateus (25 games).
Beyond the impressive statistics, Messi ’ s enchanting gestures and joyous celebrations are what excited football fans around the world.
Messi did not exert much physical effort in most matches and did not defend almost at times, but he was waiting for the right moment to use his deadly skills and sudden ability to change the rhythm and quick starts without the ball leaving his foot.
British sports writer Jonathan Wilson wrote of Messi: "A spirit wandering around the match until the right moment, you can censor a man, but watching a ghost is much harder."
Character.
After a disappointing start against Saudi Arabia, Messi took on the task of boosting the team ’ s morale, and his best goals came from an elaborate low from outside the box against Mexico.
Critics were stunned by his pass, which was used by Noel Molina to score the first goal against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, unique in this pass that Messi played it meticulously without looking at the position of his teammate.
In this match, Messi solidified his relationship with the Argentine fans, which was unfair in comparison to Maradona's character and the passion he showed for his country and winning the 1986 World Cup.
After scoring the penalty to spark crazy celebrations in the stands, Messi, who is usually well-behaved, turned to the Dutch team ’ s seats and put his hands around his ears in a provocative move.
After the game, Messi got into an argument with a Dutch striker and the cameras caught him saying, "What are you looking at, asshole?"
Although critics have criticised Messi as disrespectful, she has delighted Argentinean fans on a large scale, reminiscing of Maradona's defiant spirit.
One of the fans, Jorge Castellanos, who attended the match with a flag that puts both players side by side, said: “Against the Netherlands, Maradona ’ s inner character has finally come out into the open.
Both are one.
They both stay.
It's Argentina! "
But everyone knows that the only way Messi can be shoulder to shoulder with Maradona, at least in the world ’ s biggest football league, is to beat France in the final.
For a long time, Argentina was the second team for non-Argentine fans hoping Messi would win the tournament if their teams could not win the title to seal the final chapter in the beautiful story.
Thank you, Commander.
Messi left Argentina at the age of 13 to join the youth academy in Barcelona.
Despite concerns about his poor build, the new boy rose to prominence among the youngsters before coach Frank Rijkard gave him the chance to play for the first team at the age of 16 in a friendly against Porto in 2003.
Over time, Messi became Barcelona ’ s historic scorer (672 goals) and the most appearances for the Catalan team (778).
In the 2011 / 12 season, he broke the record for the number of goals scored in La Liga (50 goals).
In total, he has won 35 titles with Barcelona, including 10 league titles and four Champions League titles, before moving to Paris Saint-Germain last year.
He has also won a record seven Ballon d'Or awards, as well as FIFA's Player of the Year award six times.
Internationally, he is Argentina ’ s historic goalscorer and led her to win last year ’ s Copa America, her first major title after 28 lean years.
All that is missing from Messi ’ s coffers is the World Cup title.
But even if he did not win the title, it seems that he has won the hearts of fans who have become convinced that he loves the Argentina shirt as Maradona did and has given her magical moments over the years and that he has done his best and is just around the corner to win the title.
Argentine journalist Sofia Martínez Mateos summed up the general situation when she ended an interview with Messi this week with a speech on behalf of Argentina.
"The final is coming and of course we all want to win, but I want to tell you that regardless of the result, there is something that no one can take away from you."
"I have entered the heart of every Argentine.
Honestly, no kid doesn't own your shirt.
You have left your mark on the lives of each of us.
“Keep that in your heart because it ’ s more important than the World Cup and I ’ ve already won that.
Most Read
No stories found.
Erm News
www.eremnews.com

Lionel Messi has won the "Balloon d'Or" award a record seven times.

Title:

Content: A community.
Follow the latest news on social issues and cultural events in the Arab world and the world.
Find out about the latest community news, humanitarian stories, and video reports about community life.
The growth mindset...
How Messi trained his mind to become the "best in history"
© AFP 2022 / KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV Lionel Messi
Follow us via
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi ’ s victory at the World Cup in Qatar is seen as the most important step in his career and strengthens his position with most fans as one of the greatest players in history, or even the best of them all.
Leo Messi, 35, has a full list of football titles, both at the team level including the local, continental and international championships, and at the team level including the Copa America, the Finalissima Cup and finally the most prestigious and expensive tournament, the World Cup.
World Cup 2022
An exciting scene repeated in the World Cup of Qatar, his heroes Maradona and Messi
And, of course, at the individual level, there are several records engraved in his name, in addition to the awards, including "Balloon Dor" or the best player in the world award granted by the magazine "France Football" annually, and Messi received 7 times as the most crowned player.
But Messi ’ s distinction by the international press and the public with the nickname “GOAT ” or“ Goat ”, which means “Greatest Player of All Time ”, was never the goal of the Argentine star, but his focus was on something much simpler.
Messi told France Football magazine last year: “To be the best or not, it doesn ’ t change anything for me.
I never tried to be that. ”
Instead of dreaming of football stardom as a child, Leo focused on achieving smaller goals, completing one after another before moving on to the next goal.
I fought for my dreams.
At first, you were supposed to be a professional player, then I tried to outdo myself and achieve new goals every year.
Lionel Messi
The Argentine football star
This approach is familiar, reminiscent of psychologist Carol Dweck ’ s theory of a “growth mindset, ” which posits that talent is only a starting point.
Dweck wrote in her 2015 study “Growth ”:
“In a growth mindset, people believe that their core abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. ”
© AFP 2022 This set of file images shows then-Argentine Paris Barcelona striker Lionel Messi reacting while winning the Ballon d'Or (top, left to right)
This set of file images shows then-Argentine Paris Barcelona striker Lionel Messi reacting while winning the Ballon d'Or (top, left to right)
There are non-sporting champions and success story holders who have formed their own version of a “growth mindset, ” such as billionaire Mark Cuban and Hollywood star Will Smith.
Studies show that students who acquired a “growth mindset ” by teachers, were able to improve their test scores more than their peers over time.
Of course, Messi has always been a talented athlete, even as a small child and a growth hormone deficient person at the age of 11, but he constantly insists that a strong work ethic was the key to his continued success.
Messi breaks a world record outside of football
Leo spends long days training to keep improving on the pitch.
Although he has long been recognized as a world star and a historical legend, it took him nearly 16 years and five World Cups to finally get the prize he had always dreamed of.
Messi made a huge income during his 18-year career.
He is the best paid athlete in the world for 2022, making almost $130 million this year, according to Forbes.
That includes a basic salary of about $75 million from his club, Paris Saint-Germain, and $55 million from other off-field income.
In other words, being the best is also very profitable.
© AFP 2022 / FRANCK FIFELionel Messi raises the World Cup at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar
Lionel Messi lifts World Cup at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar
In his interview with France Football, Messi stressed that being among the game ’ s greats at all was never his original goal, but rather the result of working hard to amplify innate talent over many years.
"For me, just being able to be among the best players in the world is more than enough.
It ’ s something I didn ’ t dare imagine or dream about. ”
News Ticker
0.
To participate in the discussion
Sign in or Register
loader
Conversations
Заголовок открываемого материала

He is nicknamed "GOAT" by the international press and public due to his incredible skills and achievements.

Lionel Messi is one of the most decorated players in history, with numerous local, continental, and international titles.

Lionel Messi's exceptional dribbling and playmaking skills have been unmatched, inspiring millions of fans worldwide.

Title:

Content: Lionel Messi has done it again. The Argentine superstar recently surpassed Ali Daei to become the second all-time top scorer in men's international football, reported by B/R Football. With this achievement, Messi is now chasing his eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the top spot. This milestone has reignited the heated debate among football fans about who truly deserves the title of the greatest of all time (GOAT).

In a recent international match, Messi added another goal to his impressive tally, moving past Iranian legend Ali Daei. This goal placed him second on the all-time international goal-scoring list, a significant achievement in the world of football. Messi’s consistent performance at the international level continues to solidify his place among the greatest players in the sport's history.

The ongoing GOAT debate

With Messi now sitting just behind Ronaldo in the international scoring charts, fans and pundits have once again started debating who deserves the GOAT title. On social media, the arguments are as passionate as ever. One fan, h'bozz, commented, “This two goat gimmick might be the most cringe thing we’ve seen, we all know if you swapped Messi’s accolades with Ronaldo’s they wouldn’t keep the same energy. There is only one GOAT.”

On the other hand, Ronaldo supporters, like Freddy, congratulated Messi but took a playful dig, saying, “Congrats. 21 to go :)” This reflects the rivalry's light-hearted yet competitive nature, with each camp supporting their favorite with equal fervor.

Lionel Messi's edge

One of the main arguments in favor of Messi revolves around the quality and significance of his trophies compared to Ronaldo’s. Messi's fans argue that his achievements, including multiple Ballon d'Or awards, Champions League titles, and a Copa America win, make his case stronger. They believe that while Ronaldo may have more goals, Messi's overall contribution to the game is unparalleled.

Critics of Messi, however, point to moments like his recent goal, where some claimed he “robbed” Enzo Fernandez of a goal. One detractor stated, “Messi robbing Enzo goal. He can't be my goat never.” Such incidents fuel the ongoing debate, with each side finding reasons to elevate their preferred player while downplaying the other.

Despite the intense debates, there is a consensus that both Messi and Ronaldo are in a league of their own. Their dominance in the sport is unmatched, and they have set records that may stand for decades. Whether it’s Messi’s magical dribbling and playmaking or Ronaldo’s incredible athleticism and goal-scoring prowess, both players have brought unparalleled excitement to football fans worldwide.

The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has transcended individual accolades and statistics. It’s a clash of styles, personalities, and legacies that has captivated the football world for over a decade. Each milestone one player reaches adds another chapter to this fascinating story.

Looking ahead for Lionel Messi

As Messi continues to chase Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record, the football world will be watching closely. Every match, every goal, and every performance will be scrutinized and compared. This rivalry has defined an era in football, and fans will continue to debate the GOAT question long after both players have retired.

In the end, whether you are Team Messi or Team Ronaldo, there is no denying the impact both players have had on the sport. They have pushed each other to new heights, inspired millions of fans, and created memories that will last a lifetime. As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: we are witnessing the careers of two of the greatest footballers ever to play the game.

He has won the Ballon d'Or a record seven times, drawing comparisons to Diego Maradona as a football icon.

Title:

Content: Jump directly to the content
INCREDIBLE

‘He’s a football miracle’ – Lionel Messi labelled as ‘best player of all time’ and is one way from emulating fellow icon Diego Maradona, who watched ‘from football heaven’

A ‘football miracle’, a ‘joy’ to watch, a ‘hero’, a ‘star’ and the ‘best player of all time’.

Those are just some of the superlatives used to describe Argentina and football icon Lionel Messi, who spearheaded them into another World Cup final.

talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham was left in awe of the 35-year-old who is on the cusp of finally winning football’s holy grail.

Messi notched in his fifth goal in Qatar – his 11th overall across his five World Cups – as Argentina breezed past Croatia to set up a final meeting against either France or Morocco.

From being sent off on his international debut within a minute against Hungary in 2005, Messi is one game away from eternal glory.

It will be the second time Messi will have featured in the showpiece match after Germany edged out the South American nation in the 2014 final.

Durham says Diego Maradona would have been watching on from ‘football heaven’ – purring over his successor’s dazzling display.

And in what will likely be his last appearance in the global tournament, Durham was nothing but effusive in his praise for the Paris Saint-Germain forward.

Speaking after the 3-0 victory against the 2018 runners-up, Durham said: “What a privilege to be here, what a joy to witness this.

“Lionel Messi, sent off on his Argentina debut, he saw red 30 seconds into his Argentina debut. But he recovered quite well, didn’t he?

“He scored on his World Cup debut in 2006, couldn’t excel under Maradona in South Africa in 2010, in 2014 he was voted the best player at the World Cup.

“But he couldn’t overcome the Germans in the final, 2018 the coach was visibly looking to Messi on the pitch to make decisions in game, it just didn’t work.

“Messi considered retirement from the Albiceleste, then he captained Argentina to Copa [America] glory last summer – their first trophy in 28 years, continental champions.

“Are they going to follow it up with World Cup glory? Their first World Cup since 1986 when Diego Armando Maradona was the talisman.

“And now with Maradona watching from football heaven, it’s Messi who is the main man, he’s the hero, he’s the star, and the fans love him.

“Can he take the World Cup back to Argentina? Well whether he does or not, Lionel Messi has richly entertained us tonight, and all his career.

“Quick feet, injections of pace, strength belying his small stature and frame, fouled constantly but never injured, it’s a medical miracle. He’s a football miracle.

“And now all the Argentina players that have gone over to their fans, gathered all in a line, arms around each other, bouncing up and down in celebration, and Lionel Messi is right in the middle of that.

“He’s never looked so happy playing for his country in his life, at times it was a chore, and at times it was a burden too much for Messi to carry.

“But right now he seems happy, the management structure is right, the teammates are right, everything is right for Lionel Messi to get it right in this World Cup.

“So far, so good. For Messi, goals and assists they just keep racking up, it’s more than the numbers though, it’s what we call the eye test.

“Just watch Lionel Messi play, this is the joy of football I’ve been talking about for a couple of years now.

“This is what it’s all about, this is entertainment, the very best player of all time, for me, he doesn’t need a trophy to back it up.

“But Messi – lifting the World Cup – wouldn’t that make a great picture to frame for his mantelpiece alongside his record seven Ballon d’Or trophies.

“Messi makes you smile when you watch him play the beautiful game, more beautifully than anyone has ever played it before.

“Stand up for the main man – the magic man – he’s had to follow Maradona for his country, and he’s done it.

“[Johan] Cruyff and Ronaldinho and others at Barcelona, he’s done it. But he’s done it with pure football joy in his heart.”

talkSPORT World Cup 2022 Coverage

talkSPORT is bringing you wall-to-wall coverage of the 2022 World Cup.

We are broadcasting all 64 games in the tournament live, with over 600 hours of coverage across our network.

You can tune in to talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 via our free online streaming service at talkSPORT.com.

talkSPORT is widely available across the UK via DAB digital radio and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

You can also download the talkSPORT app, or ask your smart speaker to play talkSPORT.

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as a hero in Argentina and synonymous with football excellence.

He has demonstrated a growth mindset, inspiring young players with his belief that talent can be developed through dedication and hard work.

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time due to his achievements and influence on the sport.