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In a recent stream on his YouTube channel, former Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann congratulated Lionel Messi on winning the 2023 Ballon d'Or, even before the official ceremony. Talking to Rubén Ibeas, the French superstar stated that he is happy for his former teammate's win.
A recent report from SPORT revealed that the votes for football's most prestigious individual award have already been counted, with Lionel Messi comfortably topping the list. Erling Haaland was widely considered to be his closest rival for the Ballon d'Or this year, having netted 52 goals in all competitions and secured the continental treble last campaign.
The former Barcelona legend finally achieved his lifelong dream of winning the World Cup, scoring seven goals, and winning the tournament's Golden Ball as Argentina romped to the title in Qatar.
Congratulating his former teammate for the reported win, Antoine Griezmann displayed his admiration for Lionel Messi and said that he wasn't surprised by the news. The 32-year-old Atletico Madrid forward said:
"I'm not surprised at all. I told you before, it's the World Cup year. I'm happy for Messi. Well deserved, my friend."
The official Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 30 in Paris. Apart from Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, several other notable players appear on the 30-man shortlist, including Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbappe, and more.
Lionel Messi has won two out of the last three Ballon d'Or awards
Lionel Messi has dominated the Ballon d'Or ceremonies for a long time now. He famously won four titles in a row between 2009 and 2012, becoming the first footballer to do so.
The 36-year-old forward continues to trouble the sport's up-and-coming superstars. After taking a hiatus of three years, he returned to the summit in 2019, securing the award over Virgil van Dijk that year.
The Inter Miami talisman edged Van Dijk by seven points, bagging 686 points as compared to the Dutch defender's 679. Following the Ballon d'Or's suspension in 2020 due to the pandemic, Lionel Messi once again reigned supreme in 2021, beating Robert Lewandowski to first place.
The Poland international acquired a respectable 580 points but could not overcome the 2022 World Cup winner, who secured 613 points to bag the honor. With Messi touted to win the title once again this term, he has the chance to make it three wins in four attempts this late in his career.
