Lionel Andres Messi led his nation to winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and that moment of glory has now been rewarded with him winning an eighth Ballon d'Or. Aitana Bonmati Spain's women's midfielder was crowned the winner in the women's category after helping her nation achieve glory by beating England to win the Women's World Cup. Messi did not only win the World Cup with Argentina but he was also named the best player of the tournament where he was awarded the golden ball. The 36-year-old reclaimed the Ballon d'Or from France's Karim Benzema to add to his 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021 wins. His recent win now increases his lead over five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo who plays in the Saudi Pro League was not on the shortlist for the first time since the year 2003. 

Messi left European football at the end of last season as he moved from French capital giants Paris Saint Germain to join USA's Inter Miami. The Argentine superstar was presented with the award by David Beckham, owner of Inter Miami and runner-up in the 1999 Ballon d'Or, and the Argentine admitted this will be his last Ballon d'Or win. Messi said: "I couldn't imagine having the career that I've had. Everything that I've achieved. The fortune I've had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It's nice to win these individual trophies. To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing. Being the world champion was fantastic. But the truth is I've never really got used to receiving awards and being on the stage like this. Slowly I have gotten used to it a bit more since winning it for the first time in 2009. I think today is the last time I will win it, so it feels calmer and I will enjoy it in a different way. I'm proud of the career I've had. I've enjoyed football all my life and soon I'll enjoy it from the other side. I don't know for how much longer I'll play but I plan to enjoy it. I can't put a number on it as things can change very quickly from day to day in football. But I know that day is getting closer and closer."

Erling Haaland the Manchester City striker came in second in the rankings with PSG's Kylian Mbappe who scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final coming third. Haaland did not leave the Ballon d'Or ceremony empty-handed after landing the Gerd Muller Trophy for his record-breaking goal haul last season. Manchester City were named the men's club of the year for a second year running after winning the Treble. Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper in the world. This was following his heroic at the World Cup last year where he saved a couple of penalties in crucial moments to ensure that Argentina flew out of Qatar with the World Cup trophy. 
 

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(Image: Eurosport)