Lionel Messi, the world’s best footballer, is expected to win his eighth Ballon d’Or this month after the male and female winners for 2023 were revealed.
Messi, 36, was a big success when he guided Argentina to World Cup gold in Qatar in 2022.
The former Barcelona player has long been considered the favorite to win the top honor at the end-of-October awards event in Paris.
The Argentine’s ninth trophy would extend his record as the most-decorated recipient of the accolade, and the 36-year-old will reclaim the Ballon d’Or after Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema won it in 2022.
His impending victory will see the Ballon d’Or awarded to someone who does not play in Europe for the first time in history, putting him three points ahead of his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 36-year-old was up against Manchester City attacker Erling Haaland and ex-PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe, but he is certain to win owing to his heroics in Qatar.
According to Spanish publication SPORT, Aitana Bonmati, who played a key role in Spain’s spectacular Women’s World Cup victory in Australia, would likely win the award for women.
The Barcelona midfielder was voted World Cup Player of the Tournament after Spain defeated England in the final in August, and she was crowned UEFA Women’s Player of the Year in September.
Bonmati will be the second Barcelona player to win the Ballon d’Or in a row, following teammate and compatriot Alexia Putellas last year.
