Photo Gallery: Lionel Messi's Historic Triumph at Ballon d'Or 2023

Having previously won the Ballon d'Or in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021, Messi's latest triumph sets a new record, surpassing the achievements of his closest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Notably, Messi's excellence has not been limited to individual accolades. Last year, he led the Argentine national team to victory at the World Cup in Qatar, where he was also honored as the tournament's best player.

Take a look at Sputnik Africa's photo gallery to explore the unforgettable moments captured during the Ballon d'Or 2023 ceremony, celebrating Lionel Messi's extraordinary accomplishments and the enduring legacy he continues to build.

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Inter Miami CF's Argentine forward Lionel Messi reacts on stage as he receives his 8th Ballon d'Or award during the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30, 2023.

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Attendees sit prior to the start of the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30, 2023.

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Ivorian former football player and evening host Didier Drogba (L) and his partner Gabrielle Lemaire pose prior to the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30, 2023.

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Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior gestures as he receives the Socrates Trophy for most involved player in societal and charitable projects during the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30, 2023.

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Inter Milan's Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez (R) and partner Agustina Gandolfo pose prior to the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30, 2023.

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Inter Miami CF's Argentine forward Lionel Messi (C) reacts as he leaves the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30, 2023. Lionel Messi won the men's Ballon d'Or award for a record-extending eight time at a ceremony in Paris on October 30, 2023.

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Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (L) and his wife Amanda "Mandinha" Martinez pose prior to the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30, 2023.

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FC Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati gestures on stage as she receives the Woman Ballon d'Or award during the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30, 2023.

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Barcelona's German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (L) poses with his wife Sara Arfaoui prior to the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30, 2023.

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Inter Miami CF's Argentine forward Lionel Messi (L) poses with his trophy and his children (bottom), and with Aston Villa's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (Top 2ndL), Inter Milan's Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez and Manchester City's Argentine forward Julian Alvarez during the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30, 2023.