(VIDEO) Lionel Messi's emotional words to Maradona after winning the 2023 Ballon d'Or

Lionel Messi did it again. The Argentine striker once again won the 2023 Ballon d'Or. Messi significantly established himself among the main players of the moment and surpassed Haaland and Mbappe as the best of the past season. After winning the 2022 World Cup and being the best player of the tournament, there was little doubt about whether Messi really deserved to win his eighth Ballon d'Or, now the 2023 edition.

The Ballon d'Or is the award that annually recognizes the best player in the world and its 2023 edition already knows its winner. The magazine "France Football" presented the prestigious award to Messi this Monday, with the Rosario succeeding the Frenchman Karim Benzema, who in 2022 won the award for the best footballer in the world.

“First of all I want to thank all the people who voted for me and made me the winner of this award. I want to share it with all my teammates on the Argentine team. This award comes hand in hand with what I achieved with the National Team,” he began. Messi insisted on collective recognition and highlighted: “Today I can be here thanks to my teammates. I come to represent everyone and today we are here with Lautaro (Martínez), Julián (Álvarez) and Dibu (Martínez). This is a gift for the entire group, for the coaching staff and all the people.”

Messi's words to Maradona

The most emotional moment of the evening was when he remembered Maradona: “Finally I want to mention Diego. Today is his birthday. I think there is no better place than to do it in a place surrounded by players, former players, coaches, people who like football. Wherever you are, happy birthday Diego. I also share this with you and with all of Argentina.” Then he referred to Pelusa again and stated: “It was what he liked, the football atmosphere. At the last galas he was present.