Top Reactions Of Sports Celebrities After Lionel Messi Wins The Record Breaking 8th Balon d’Or

Lionel Messi, the footballing maestro, has once more left the world in sheer amazement by securing his eighth Ballon d’Or trophy. Football enthusiasts worldwide are buzzing with excitement, and celebs from every nook and cranny have poured out their admiration and congratulations for the Argentine sensation.

Messi’s Remarkable Victory

On October 30, 2023, at the Theatre de Chatelet in Paris, Lionel Messi marked his triumphant eighth Ballon d’Or victory. This historic achievement not only reaffirmed his status as the greatest footballer ever but also set him apart with three more Ballon d’Or trophies than his nearest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi’s journey to this extraordinary milestone includes steering Argentina to victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and claiming Ligue 1 glory with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the previous season. Even after joining Inter Miami on a free transfer during the summer, he continued to make a significant impact, leading the team to its first-ever title, the Leagues Cup. Despite an unfortunate muscle injury sidelining him, he guided Inter Miami to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final.

The 2022–23 season saw Messi in scintillating form, both at the club and international levels. His contributions during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he scored seven goals and provided three assists in seven games, earned him the prestigious Golden Ball award. With 11 goals and five assists in just 14 games for Inter Miami, his influence remains undeniable.

Messi’s Stellar Show for Argentina

At the age of 36, Lionel Messi’s performances for the Argentine national team continue to be nothing short of extraordinary. Since his World Cup victory, he has continued to shine on the international stage. In just six matches in 2023, Messi has already scored eight goals and provided one assist, showcasing his enduring brilliance.

Messi’s recent achievements with Inter Miami, combined with his unwavering commitment to the national team, highlight his dedication to the sport and his extraordinary talent, setting new records year after year.

IShowSpeed’s Astonishment

While many expected Messi’s Ballon d’Or win, it took some, including the popular streamer IShowSpeed, by surprise. Known for his ardent support of Cristiano Ronaldo, IShowSpeed was visibly stunned by Messi’s victory, especially given Ronaldo’s absence from the top contenders’ list this year.

During the award ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, IShowSpeed’s reactions were caught on camera, reflecting his disbelief. He exclaimed, “What?? Messi, man. Ain’t no way, man. Not Ronaldo? Bro what?” Despite Ronaldo not being in contention for the award, IShowSpeed continued to mention him throughout the event.

Throughout the evening, IShowSpeed interacted with several football stars, sharing moments with the likes of Emiliano Martinez, Novak Djokovic, and Erling Haaland. As the ceremony progressed, his agitation grew, and he even did his signature move, barking like a dog, when Messi was officially declared the winner.

IShowSpeed’s fervent support for Cristiano Ronaldo made Messi’s 2023 Ballon d’Or win a source of shock and dismay, resulting in a memorable and entertaining spectacle during the ceremony.

Messi’s Humble Reflections Over the Years

Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or win adds another chapter to his illustrious career. Over the years, his reactions to receiving the award have revealed his humility and genuine love for the game.

In 2009, he expressed, “The Ballon d’Or is very important to me. All the players who won it were great players, and some great players never won it.”

In 2010, he shared the recognition with his teammates, stating, “I would obviously like to share this with all of my teammates because if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be up here accepting this award.”

His appreciation for his colleagues continued in 2011, when he said, “Xavi, you deserve the trophy just as much as me. Without you, I wouldn’t have won.”

By 2012, Messi emphasized his preference for team achievements, saying, “I prefer to win titles than individual prizes or scoring goals.”

In 2015, he reflected on his journey, saying, “It’s incredible this is my fifth. It’s much more than anything I’ve dreamed of as a kid.”

In 2019, Messi acknowledged the passage of time, expressing, “The time of withdrawal is approaching, and it is difficult because time goes by faster and faster.”

In 2021, he revealed his focus on the love of the game, stating, “It doesn’t matter to me if I’m the best or not. And I’ve never tried to be the best either.”

In 2023, upon winning his eighth Ballon d’Or, Messi marveled at his extraordinary career, saying, “It’s nice to win these individual trophies. To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing.” He concluded by remarking that each Ballon d’Or award was special for different reasons.

Cheers from Football Stars

Following Messi’s historic win, football stars from around the world joined in congratulating him on social media:

• Neymar, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, posted, “Leo, you are the best. Congratulations on your eighth Ballon d’Or. I am so proud of you.”
• Kylian Mbappé, Messi’s PSG teammate, tweeted, “Congratulations to Leo Messi for his eighth Ballon d’Or. You are a legend of the game and an inspiration to us all.”
• Ronaldinho, Messi’s mentor and idol, shared his joy, saying, “Congratulations, my brother.”
• Sergio Busquets, Messi’s longtime teammate, expressed his admiration, calling Messi “the best player in the world.”
• Luis Suarez, Messi’s friend and former Barcelona teammate, shared his love and admiration, referring to Messi as “the best ever.”

Even Messi’s long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, paid his respects, acknowledging Messi’s greatness and calling him a “true legend of the game.”

Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or win has united the football world in celebration of his unparalleled talent and the joy he brings to the sport. His humility and dedication, coupled with the admiration of fellow football stars, make this achievement even more special.

In conclusion, Lionel Messi’s record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or win is a testament to his enduring greatness, while the reactions from fans, celebrities, and fellow football stars reflect the universal respect and admiration he has garnered throughout his extraordinary career.