With Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland considered favourites for the prestigious prize, the winner of the 2023 Ballon d'Or award has reportedly already been confirmed.
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The ceremony, which will be attended by football's royalty, will be held in Paris, France, on Monday next week.
It was Karim Benzema who claimed the accolade last year for his incredible 2021/22 campaign at Real Madrid, but it is now expected fans will see a more familiar pair of hands holding the Golden Ball aloft this term.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Inter Miami's Messi will "be the final winner" once again following his exploits for Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
??? Leo Messi, expected to win the Ballon d’Or 2023.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 25, 2023
Understand all the indications are set to be confirmed but Messi will be the final winner once again.
Official decision to be unveiled Monday night in Paris.
???? It will be Messi’s historical 8th Ballon d’Or. pic.twitter.com/v8FWZQdeaR
The Argentine has already collected seven Ballon d'or trophies in his career, winning his first in 2009 and his most recent in 2021.
Many believe Manchester City's Haaland deserves the award more than the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward, after he scored 52 goals to help inspire the Citizens to a famous treble.
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Messi, however, seems to be in pole position to take the Ballon d'Or home for a record-extending eighth time, with long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo having been crowned the best player in the world on five occasions.
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