The Argentina and Inter Miami star led the national team to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, scoring twice in the final victory over France. His success at that final tournament ensured he received the eighth Ballon d’Or of his career in Paris on Monday night.
Messi is often hailed as the greatest player of all time and adding the World Cup to his impressive list only adds to those praises. Furthermore, no player comes close to Messi in terms of Ballon d’Or wins, with Ronaldo now a distant second with five wins after not being on the 30-man shortlist. for the 2023 award. However, France head coach Deschamps is still not convinced that the Inter Miami striker is the GOAT, and has argued that both Ronaldo and Paris Saint-Germain striker Mbappe should also be mentioned.
“Argentinians [say Messi is the greatest of all time]. He is one of them, but it is difficult to say that Messi is better than Cristiano Ronaldo or Kylian Mbappe, who is younger,” Deschamps told ESPN Deportes at a press conference after the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Messi surpassed Erling Haaland and Mbappe to win this individual award even though the Norwegian striker scored 52 goals in the 2022-23 season and helped Manchester City win a historic treble. Meanwhile, Mbappe also had an excellent season as he scored 55 goals for both club and country, with Messi “taking” some of those goals in his final season at PSG. .