Star Lionel Messi can be compared to a great record holder in world football. Until now, Messi has created countless unprecedented achievements. If he continues to win the Golden Ball title at dawn on October 31, Messi will create 8 unprecedented achievements in history.
1. First player to win the Golden Ball while playing outside of Europe
Last summer, Messi decided to leave PSG to move to the US to play football for Inter Miami. Thus, in case he wins the 2023 Golden Ball title, Messi will become the first player in history to win this award while playing outside of Europe. This is clearly a memorable milestone with the Golden Ball title.
2. First player in MLS history to win the Golden Ball
The American Professional League (MLS) is facing the opportunity to witness the first player to win the Golden Ball title. Historically, the tournament has welcomed the appearance of many famous stars, but no player has ever won this title while playing football in the US.
3. Won the Golden Ball while playing for 3 different clubs
In the past, no player has ever won the Golden Ball while playing for three different clubs. Messi will reach this achievement if he is honored next week. During his career, Messi has won 6 Golden Balls for Barca and once for PSG.
If Messi wins the title this year, the Argentine will win as an Inter Miami player.
4. The first player to win the Golden Ball at the age of 36
The oldest person to win the Golden Ball title is Sir Stanley Mathews when he won the title at the age of 41. Ronaldo de Lima is the youngest winner, honored when he just turned 21.
With Messi, if he wins the title here, the Argentine player will become the first 36-year-old player to win this title. Messi is also the second oldest player to win the Golden Ball title.
5. The player with the longest gap between winning the Golden Ball twice
Messi won the Golden Ball for the first time in 2009 when he was only 22 years old. If honored early next week, the Argentine superstar will win the Golden Ball at the age of 36. 14 years is the furthest distance between two Golden Ball wins by a player.
6. Player with the most times in the Top 3 of the Golden Ball
Even if he is not honored this year, Messi can still create records. The 36-year-old striker will become the first player in history to reach the Top 3 of the Golden Ball title 14 times.
Messi first appeared in this position in 2007 and has only been out of this position twice since then.
7. Player with the most Golden Ball voting points
At this time, Ronaldo is the player with the most Golden Ball voting points in history with 3,781 points. Messi is right behind with 207 points less. This gap will almost certainly be filled this year.
Ronaldo is not in the Top 30 and has no points. Meanwhile, Messi is predicted to be in the top group, expected to pocket hundreds of additional voting points.