Lionel Messi has claimed a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or award at the 2023 ceremony in France on Monday.

The award was announced via the Ballon D’or official social media pages on Monday.

Noted football Journalist Fabrizio Romano also confirmed the news via his page

Messi, 35, was the favorite for this year’s award following a standout 2022 that climaxed with him leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.

The Inter Miami player also helped Paris Saint Germaine (PSG) reclaim the Ligue 1 title before his acrimonious departure in the summer.

Messi beat out former PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City star Erling Haaland for the top honours at this year’s awards.

Mbappe, who claimed the tournament’s Golden Boot, was expected to challenge strongly for his first trophy following his ‘hattrick-heroics’ in that epic cup final.

City’s talisman Haaland was also expected to be ranked among the top three best players after his historic Premier League debut season, where he claimed the coveted treble topping scorers table in England and Europe.

The 22-year-old was, however, voted the best striker in the world at the awards ceremony.

The two are expected to be the main contenders for the award in the future, with the Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry effectively over.

Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham copped the Kopa award as “World’s Best Talent” in 2023.

The 20-year-old, who is expected to be among future Ballon d’Or prospects, has already cast his ballot for next year’s award with 13 goals in 14 appearances for the Spanish Juggeranuts so far netted 13 times in 14 appearances.