. . . As Messi wins record-extending eighth

Nigerias Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala both made history for Nigeria and Africa at the 2023 Ballon dOr ceremony held in Paris, France, yesterday night, Monday, October 30, 2023.

They finished in an impressive 8th and 20th positions in the 2023 Men and Womens Ballon dOr rankings.

A message on Super Falcons official X handle congratulated Oshoala for the historic achievement both for Nigeria.

Asisat Oshoalas 20th place ranking in the 2023 Womens Ballon dOr is a historic and significant achievement for Africa.

Shes a talented footballer and deserves the recognition. Congratulations @AsisatOshoala, it said.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi won a record-extending eighth Ballon dOr for the best player in the world.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Messi beat Norways UEFA player of the year, and treble winner Erling Haaland of Manchester City to the prestigious prize.

France and Paris St Germains Kylian Mbappe completed the list of the top three best players in the world.

Inter Miamis Messi, who last won the award in 2021, played a pivotal role in guiding Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years in Qatar last season.

Messi has won the Ballon dOr for a record eighth time, fending off competition from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland after leading Argentina to the World Cup last year.

Messi, 36, becomes the first MLS-based player to claim the coveted prize, although the triumph comes largely on the back of his exploits with his country in Qatar.

Former Manchester United player and Inter Miami co-owner, David Beckham handed his prize-signing Messi the award in Paris.

Haaland, who scored 52 goals last season as City won the Treble in 2022-23, finished second in the voting and won the Gerd Muller Trophy given to the best striker of the year.

I couldnt imagine having the career that Ive had. Everything that Ive achieved, Messi said after getting his award.

The fortune Ive had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. Its nice to win these individual trophies.

To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing. All of them [Ballon dOr awards] are special for different reasons.

Prior to Messi receiving his award, Barcelona and Spain midfielder, Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon dOr Féminin after a record-breaking year with club and country.

She helped Barça win Liga F and the Champions League last season, before leading Spain to World Cup glory in the summer.

In other awards handed out on Monday, Messis Argentina teammate Emiliano Martinez won the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper.

England and Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham was handed the Kopa Trophy as the worlds top player under the age of 21.

During his acceptance speech, Messi made a point of wishing Argentina countryman Diego Maradona happy birthday.

The 1986 World Cup winner, who died on Nov. 22, 2020, would have been 63 on Monday.

My last mention is for Diego [Maradona], Messi said. Today is his birthday.

So I would like to remember him from here, surrounded by the best players, coaches and people who love football like he did.

Wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. This goes also to you.

Prior to Mondays ceremony in Paris, no player had won the Ballon dOr more times than Messi, who first won it in 2009 and then again in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.

Cristiano Ronaldo has won it five times, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten are all three-time winners.

Messi scored 21 goals in 41 appearances last season as Paris Saint-Germain retained the Ligue 1 title before moving to Inter Miami earlier this year.

Since moving to the U.S., he has scored 11 goals in 14 games for Miami, helping the franchise win its first-ever piece of silverware, the Leagues Cup.

However, he missed several matches through injury at the end of the regular MLS season as Gerardo Tata Martinos side came up short in their late push for a playoff spot.

It is Messis performances at the World Cup at the end of 2022 which have earned him an eighth Ballon dOr as Argentina ended a 36-year wait to be crowned world champions for the third time.

Messi, as captain, was instrumental to Argentinas success in Qatar, scoring seven goals and assisting three more as he was named as the Player of the Tournament.

He scored twice in the final and again in the penalty shootout against France.

Lionel Scalonis team edged one of the most memorable showpieces in the competitions history.

Having come up short with Argentina at four previous World Cups, including losing the 2014 final to Germany, it was deemed by many to be his last chance to get his hands on footballs biggest prize.

At 36 years and four months old, he also becomes the second oldest player to ever win the Ballon dOr.

He replaces 2022 winner Karim Benzema.

Only the inaugural winner, Stanley Matthews in 1956, was older when he won it aged 41.

Messis first six Ballons dOr were won while he played for Barcelona, where he is the clubs record goalscorer and appearance holder.

He won it for a seventh time shortly after joining PSG in 2021 following Copa America success with Argentina. (Adapted from a NAN report)