The full 2023 Ballon d’Or voting results show exactly how much Lionel Messi won by.
On Monday, some of football’s biggest stars arrived at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France for the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Argentina great Messi got his hands on his eighth trophy after beating Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, who finished second and third respectively.
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Now, the full voting results have been released and confirmed Messi’s winning margin.
According to AS, Messi received 462 points, 105 points ahead of second-placed Haaland, who got 357 points.
Paris Saint Germain and France superstar Mbappe received a total of 270 points.
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As expected, many countries voted Messi as their top player but there were six countries that snubbed the Inter Miami star.
This was a landslide victory for Messi after his stunning year including inspiring Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.
After clinching his award, Messi said: “Thanks to everyone, especially my teammates. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. This Ballon d'Or is a great gift for all of Argentina. I don't want to forget Haaland or Mbappé, who had a great year, spectacular, and in the coming years they will win this award.
“The level [of competition] never decreases, I have been lucky to be here for many years. I want to provide a special mention for all those people who were happy that Argentina became world champions. Thanks also to all my family, my wife, my children, for being there in the worst moments, and they have helped me fulfill my dreams in football. Without you it would not have been possible.”
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Messi continued: “I want to make one last mention of Maradona. Happy birthday, I think there is no better place than here to congratulate him, full of players and with a ball. This Ballon d'Or is also yours and that of all of Argentina.”
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Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or, Football