Lionel Messi has embedded another feather to his cap. Messi has scripted history by winning the Men’s Ballon d’Or for the 7th time. Messi emerged ahead of Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich and Jorginho of Chelsea. Both the sports enthusiasts finished second and third, respectively.
Messi won the Ballon d’Or for the last time in 2019. Last year the awards were cancelled due to the pandemic. He also triumphed in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015.
What is the Ballon d’Or?
The French football magazine ‘France Football’ bestows the Ballon d’Or Awards on a yearly basis. This award is given to the best performing club and national team player in a given year. Stanley Matthews received this award for the first time in 1956. After this, it has been given every year since then. Women’s footballers have also been recognized since 2018. This year marked the 65th anniversary of the event.
The journey of great footballer
Messi began his football career in 1995. He joined Newell’s Old Boys’ youth team. It is a top-tier football club based in Rosario. Messi’s extraordinary abilities drew the attention of prestigious clubs on both sides of the Atlantic.
Messi began playing for FC Barcelona’s under-14 team when he was 13 years old. Messi scored 21 goals for the junior team in 14 games. In a friendly match, he made his official debut for FC Barcelona.
Life achievements of Messi
Messi became the youngest official player and goal scorer in the Spanish La Liga in 2004–05. It is the highest division of football in the country. Messi, who was naturally left-footed, quick, and precise with the ball, was a skilled pass distributor who could easily weave his way through dense defences.
He was granted Spanish citizenship in 2005. It is an honor welcomed by Barcelona’s fervent Catalan fans. The following year, Messi and Barcelona won the European club championship.
Argentina was crowned American champion
Lionel Messi also led Argentina to the Copa America title this year. His team defeated Brazil in the final in July 2021. Messi has made four goals and three assists in 11 matches since joining new club PSG, but he has led his team to victory on several occasions. Last season, Messi scored 30 goals for Barcelona.
Left Barcelona this year
This award is also special for Messi as he left the Spanish club Barcelona this year. He had been associated for the past 15 years with the club. Following that, this year he joined the French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) .
