With the 8th Golden Ball of his career, Lionel Messi became the first player to hold this noble title in 3 different clubs. Superstar number 10 also became the first player in MLS history to win the Golden Ball.
El Pulga also set a record by becoming the player with the most times in the top 3 Golden Balls in history with 14 times.
In addition, the 2023 Golden Ball also helps Messi widen the gap with Cristiano Ronaldo, who owns 5 titles. When asked by a reporter if the race had ended with the 8th Golden Ball, Messi answered humbly:
“ It was an epic fight . In terms of sports, Ronaldo is excellent and I think we both benefit each other, because we are both very competitive and he also always wants to win against everyone and everything.
I think it was a very beautiful time for us and football lovers in general. What we have done in recent times is very appreciable because as they say, reaching the top is easy but staying there is even harder.
We were at the top for I don’t know for 10 or 15 years, and it was very difficult. It’s difficult to continue maintaining this level and I think it’s a wonderful thing, and a beautiful memory for everyone who loves football.”
