Lionel Messi now has crushed all doubts on who is the greatest-ever with yet another achievement

Lionel Messi wins his 8th Ballon d'Or

The 67th Ballon d'Or event occurred at the Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris, France, on Tuesday, October 31. Most importantly, Lionel Messi set a record by becoming the only player to win the Ballon d’Or eight times. Lionel Messi had an incredible year after he led Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
 

3 things you need to know

• Lionel Messi has won eight Ballon d'Ors in his career
• Messi has won every possible major trophy in football 
• Messi is the first player ever to win a Ballon d’Or with an MLS club

Lionel Messi ends the GOAT debate

For a long time now, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been competing for the honour of "greatest of all time" (GOAT). Messi's 8th Ballon d'Or awards, including the latest in 2019, 2021, and now 2023, give him a huge advantage. However, it hurt Messi's feelings when Ronaldo won his 5th Ballon d'Or award in 2017, matching Messi's total and being unstoppable with Real Madrid. The rivalry between them was fierce, and Ronaldo's quest for individual honours, most notably the Ballon d'Or, became an integral component of his case for greatness.

It has consistently seemed like Ronaldo is the one pursuing Messi's brilliance throughout their incredible careers. While Ronaldo emerged victorious from Euro 2016 ahead of Messi in terms of significant international honours, Messi responded by winning the World Cup, and Ronaldo's departure from Manchester United and his subsequent drop by Portugal indicated a perceived divide between the two. Even in the midst of their simultaneous dominance of the game, Ronaldo frequently attempted to match Messi's amazing accomplishments, pushing both players to new heights with their unmatched talent and longevity.

Lionel Messi's cabinet of silverware

• 3x The Best FIFA Men's Player: 2022, 2019, 2009
• 8x Winner Ballon d'Or: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2015, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009
• 3x UEFA Best Player in Europe: 2015, 2011, 2009
• 23x Top Goal Scorer
• 10x Player of the Year
• 1x World Cup Winner: 2022 
• 1x Copa América Winner: 2020/21 
• 4x Champions League Winner
• 3x FIFA Club World Cup Winner
• 10x Spanish Champion
• 2x French Champion
• 3x UEFA Super Cup Winner
• 7x Spanish Cup Winner
•  8x Spanish Super Cup Winner
•  1x Leagues Cup Winner: 2023 (with Inter Miami CF)
• 1x CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions Winner: 2021/22
• 1x French Super Cup Winner: 2022/23
• 1x Olympic Medalist

Lionel Messi an unstoppable machine

Lionel Messi has scored a huge number of goals for both his club team and his country over the course of his long and successful career. In 778 games with FC Barcelona, Messi scored an amazing 672 goals, making him their all-time top scorer. He scored 32 goals in 75 games for Paris Saint-Germain during his short stay there. Messi also got six goals in 22 games for FC Barcelona Atlètic, the club's second team. He is currently playing for Inter Miami CF and has scored 11 goals in just 14 games. Messi has scored 106 goals in 178 international games for Argentina. 

Messi vs Ronaldo

Messi and Ronaldo had an unmatched back-and-forth rivalry while they were at Real Madrid and Barcelona. Their rivalry enthralled the football world as their genius and ability pushed one another to new heights. Messi was difficult for defenders to hold, but Ronaldo was always challenging him and snapping at his heels, which added intrigue to their matches. 

Both athletes have shared the top stage for almost two decades. As they come to the end of their careers, the question is who is the GOAT?

Well, the answer may differ for many, but it is Lionel Messi who has always been ahead of the Portuguese star. Ronaldo might be hungrier than Messi, but the Argentine has a unique talent that comes once in a century. 

 

End of an Era

While Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023, Messi chose to pursue a career in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. Their days as fierce rivals are over, signalling the end of an era. Ronaldo's failure to make the 30-man shortlist, which further signalled the end of his era of dominance, put an end to the GOAT discussion even before the most recent Ballon d'Or presentation in Paris. Messi proved he was the best by defeating the nearest competitor, Erling Haaland, to win the coveted prize.

Priorities clearly changed when Messi won the 2021 Ballon d'Or following Argentina's Copa America victory. With the World Cup ushering in a new era in their rivalry, it is more important than ever. The prestigious trophy of football is the biggest trophy that a player could imagine in his career after failing to beat Germany in the 2014 final. Messi had a perfect ending to his prime football career, winning the trophy in 2022. He has completed football, and that trophy will always keep him an edge over all the footballers for many years to come.

If Ronaldo leads a revitalised Portugal—coached by Roberto Martinez—to victory in Euro 2024, they could regain some lost ground. However, it will be a great challenge for the 38-year-old, who has the most goals scored in 2023. Messi is still focused on helping Argentina play in the Copa America next year and might even defend the World Cup in 2026. But it is obvious that these stars are not going to stay on the football pitch for long.
 

Lionel Messi is the GOAT

Both Messi and Ronaldo have shifted their focus away from elite club competition and towards alternative football destinations. As their careers are coming to an end, it is time to put the dispute to rest. Ronaldo's excellence is evident, but Messi's position as the greatest is unrivalled. Messi's legacy as the GOAT is unrivalled, whether measured in goals, medals, or Ballon d'Or triumphs.