Frank Christian
In 2023, Lionel Messi secured the Ballon d’Or despite his move to Inter Miami, marking his eighth win in history.
His shift to the MLS did not hinder his achievement, as the award criteria now focus on the previous season, giving credit to his role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph.
Although missing out on the 2024 shortlist, this moment signifies a potential conclusion to an illustrious era.
Lionel Messi’s Exceptional Ballon d’Or Record
Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or wins, with eight titles between 2009 and 2023, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo.
His wins spanned his time at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, including his groundbreaking 2023 victory while competing in the MLS, a first in Ballon d’Or history.
| 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
| 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023 | 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 | 2007 |
Review of Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or Triumphs
After initial placements in 2007 and 2008, Messi claimed his first Ballon d’Or in 2009, dominating the award for the following three years.
Subsequent wins were interspersed with Ronaldo’s victories, fueling their intense rivalry during the Barcelona-Real Madrid era.
Messi’s later triumphs in 2019 and 2021, leading up to the 2023 accolade, mark a golden period possibly drawing to a close.
| Year | Club | Trophies won | Age |
| 2009 | Barcelona | Various trophies | 22 |
| 2010 | Barcelona | Various trophies | 23 |
| 2011 | Barcelona | Various trophies | 24 |
| 2012 | Barcelona | 2011/12 Copa del Rey | 25 |
| 2015 | Barcelona | Various trophies | 28 |
| 2019 | Barcelona | 2018/19 La Liga | 32 |
| 2021 | Barcelona/PSG | 2020/21 Copa del Rey | 34 |
| 2023 | PSG/Argentina | Various trophies | 36 |
Ballon d’Or Record Holders
| Rank | Player | Ballon d’Or wins |
Years won |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Lionel Messi | 8 | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023 |
| 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 |
