Lionel Messi will win the 2023 Ballon d’Or — Fabrizio Romano

In a move that is sure to create some global internet meltdown in the coming days, Football journalist, Fabrizio Romano has let the world in on a secret as to the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony and how Lionel Messi has a part in it.

According to the Italian reporter, Lionel Messi will claim the prize as he based his report on a leak from Dario Sport.

Fabrizio Romano asserts that though there is no official and formal confirmation yet, but indications from Spanish media hints at the report being true.

The Ballon d’Or Gala is scheduled to hold on the 30th of October in Paris, with the Argentine set to be there with his camp, hopefully to claim the prize.

“Lionel Messi has won his 8th Ballon d’Or, Dario Sport has revealed. No official and formal confirmation yet but once again, clear indication from Spanish media.

“Reminder: Ballon d’Or Gala will be on October 30 in Paris, Messi expected to be there with his camp.” — Romano wrote on his social media page.

The 2023 Ballon d’Or will be Lionel Messi’s 8th if the report of him being declared winner comes true, which will by far put Messi as the record winner of the award.

The former Barcelona captain and Inter Miami player will have beaten his previous record of being the 7th time record winner after winning his seventh a few years back.

Messi’s closest rivals for the award are Kylian Mbappe who also had some impact in the 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar, netting a hattrick in the final to force the tie into penalties.

Erling Haaland who also won the treble with Manchester City last season, with record number of goals in the premier league, also earns a shoutout for the golden award.

This however will be the first time that Cristiano Ronaldo will not earn a shoutout in the award ranking.