Will Messi Win the Ballon d’Or Again?
The race for the 2023 Ballon d'Or is reaching its conclusion, as top footballers from around the world compete to claim the prestigious Golden Ball in Paris on October 30. This year's contest is particularly intriguing, as the World Cup took place in the middle of the 2022-23 season, creating a unique dynamic where players' performances in Qatar could be overshadowed by the time voting takes place in August.
Nevertheless, there is no denying that an impressive showing in the World Cup has undoubtedly enhanced the chances of certain individuals to contend for the Golden Ball. Even though domestic and European titles have already been decided, the question remains: which players have positioned themselves as strong contenders for the most coveted individual award in football?
Amidst the excitement, it's worth noting that new bettors can get a generous welcome offer by Premier Bet, which only adds to the fervor surrounding this remarkable event.
Lionel Messi – Inter Miami/Argentina
During the 2022-23 season, Lionel Messi showcased his exceptional skills, scoring 38 goals and providing 25 assists. He achieved remarkable success by winning the World Cup, as well as clinching the Ligue 1 title and the Trophee des Champions. However, despite his remarkable performances, Messi's form experienced a dip during the latter half of the season, casting doubt on his chances of securing an eighth Ballon d'Or. Nonetheless, his unforgettable triumph in the World Cup is likely to be influential in earning him yet another Golden Ball
Considering that Messi has since has since announced his departure from European football, one might wonder if this will be his eighth and final Ballon d'Or victory.
Erling Haaland – Manchester City/Norway
The 2022-23 season showed us the best of Erling Haaland who scored an impressive 53 goals and provided nine assists. His exceptional performances were instrumental in leading his team to triumph in the Champions League, as well as securing both the Premier League and FA Cup titles during an extraordinary treble-winning campaign.
At one point, it appeared almost inevitable that Haaland would claim the top spot in the Ballon d'Or rankings by the end of the season, as he shattered numerous records along the way. However, a period of less prolific scoring, with just one goal in his final eight games, will likely hinder his chances of winning the prestigious award in 2023. Despite his crucial contributions to City's success in securing the treble, it seems Haaland may fall short in the race for the Ballon d'Or this year.
Kylian Mbappe – PSG/France
Kylian Mbappe scored 53 goals and provided 14 assists for club and country in the just concluded 2022/23 season. He was instrumental in helping his team secure the Ligue 1 title. However, there are individuals who argue that Vinicius or one of Manchester City's midfield stars deserve to surpass Mbappe in the final rankings for the Ballon d'Or, but it is important to acknowledge and appreciate Mbappe's current position in third place.
Mbappe's achievements throughout the season have been remarkable. He surpassed the 50-goal mark for both his club and the national team, adding to his already impressive goal-scoring record.
Furthermore, he clinched yet another league title and showcased his brilliance on the international stage by earning the Golden Boot at the World Cup. Notably, he achieved this feat by delivering a remarkable hat-trick in the tournament's final match.
Henry
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