When it comes to football, one name stands out above all others, Lionel Messi.
Often hailed as the greatest footballer of all time, Messi’s incredible talent and consistency have earned him seven Ballon d’Or awards.
The Ballon d’Or, an accolade given to the best football player in the world, has been Messi’s personal playground for a large part of his career.
In this exclusive piece, we’ll delve into Messi’s Ballon d’Or dominance, tracing his journey through the world of football from 2009 to 2021
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2009 – A Star is Born
The story begins in 2009 when Messi claimed his first Ballon d’Or. This was the year that the world truly began to recognize the remarkable talent that had been emerging from Barcelona.
With 23 goals in La Liga and 9 goals in the UEFA Champions League, Messi was instrumental in Barcelona’s historic treble-winning season.
His dribbling, close control, and ability to unlock defenses left fans and pundits in awe. This Ballon d’Or marked the beginning of an era and heralded the rise of a footballing legend.
2010 – The Unstoppable Force
Messi’s second Ballon d’Or came in 2010, and it was not merely a continuation of his excellence but a statement of dominance.
He scored 47 goals in all competitions, leading Barcelona to another La Liga title and the Champions League.
His performances left defenders bewildered, as his dribbling and creativity seemed to have no bounds. By this time, it was clear that Messi was not just a rising star but the best footballer on the planet.
2012 – A Year of Records
In 2012, Messi made history by breaking Gerd Müller’s record for the most goals in a calendar year.
With an astonishing 91 goals in 69 appearances, he set a record that may never be surpassed.
His consistency and ability to score in a variety of ways – from long-range strikes to intricate finishes – made him not only the best player but also the most exciting. His Ballon d’Or that year was a fitting tribute to his extraordinary achievements.
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Messi vs. Ronaldo Era
The next several years witnessed an epic battle between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for Ballon d’Or supremacy. These two giants of the game consistently outperformed all others, creating a unique rivalry that captured the imaginations of fans worldwide.
During this period, Messi claimed his second Ballon d’Or in 2010 and went on to win it again in 2011, 2012, and 2015, cementing his status as a footballing legend.
His playing style evolved, becoming more team-oriented, and he proved himself capable of orchestrating Barcelona’s attacking movements.
His incredible vision, passing accuracy, and innate understanding of the game made him not only a goal scorer but a playmaker of the highest order.
His win in 2015 was particularly noteworthy, as it marked his fifth Ballon d’Or victory, breaking the previous record of four, held jointly by himself and Cristiano Ronaldo. By this time, Messi had transformed Barcelona into one of the most dominant clubs in the world.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, continued to challenge Messi for the title of the world’s best player, and their rivalry was an underlying theme of the Ballon d’Or ceremony for almost a decade.
2019 – An Unexpected Farewell
The 2019 Ballon d’Or marked the end of Messi’s incredible streak. After an unexpected summer transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, his personal narrative had changed.
This Ballon d’Or was unique as it recognized his contributions across multiple seasons, highlighting his enduring impact.
Messi’s adaptability and consistency over the years showcased his true genius.
Move to PSG and Beyond
In August 2021, Lionel Messi made a move that sent shockwaves through the footballing world. After spending his entire professional career at FC Barcelona, he signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) due to financial constraints that prevented Barcelona from renewing his contract.
This marked the end of an era, as Messi left behind a legacy that may never be surpassed at the Catalan club.
His move to PSG also marked a new chapter in his Ballon d’Or journey. Messi, now wearing the iconic PSG jersey, continued to display his incredible skills and goal-scoring prowess.
This transition brought forth new challenges and opportunities, demonstrating his adaptability and resilience as a player.
2021 Ballon d’Or Victory
Despite the turmoil surrounding his departure from Barcelona, Messi’s performances with PSG did not go unnoticed. In 2021, Messi won his record-extending seventh Ballon d’Or, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record.
This particular victory held significant emotional weight for Messi, as it marked a triumphant return to the Ballon d’Or podium after a brief absence.
It demonstrated his enduring greatness and his ability to excel in different environments and stages of his career.
The Impact of Messi’s Dominance
Lionel Messi’s seven Ballon d’Or wins have not only elevated his own status but have had a profound impact on the world of football.
He has set the standard for excellence and consistently raised the bar for aspiring young players.
Messi’s influence reaches far beyond the pitch, as he is admired and respected for his sportsmanship, humility, and dedication to his craft.
His journey from a young boy in Rosario, Argentina, to a global football icon has inspired millions around the world, proving that hard work, determination, and a passion for the game can lead to greatness.
Conclusion
As Messi continues to grace the footballing world with his beautiful skills, it is impossible to predict how many more Ballon d’Or titles he may add to his collection.
What is certain, however, is that Lionel Messi’s impact on the sport and his status as one of the greatest players of all time will endure for generations to come.
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Messi cemented his place as arguably the greatest of all time when Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar in December 2022, with Messi putting in several Man of the Match performances throughout the competition.