Watching the Red Sox from the front row of baseball’s alternate universe has been quite the trip, and other thoughts – The Boston Globe

**Lionel Messi Wins Seventh Ballon d’Or, Ties Late Legend Diego Maradona’s Record**

In a night filled with excitement and prestige, Lionel Messi has cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time, winning his seventh Ballon d’Or award. The Argentine maestro tied the record for most Ballon d’Or wins, previously held by his compatriot and idol, Diego Maradona. The ceremony took place on October 17, 2023, at the Theater du Châtelet in Paris, France.

Messi’s remarkable achievement comes after a phenomenal year, where he guided Paris Saint-Germain to their first Ligue 1 title and led Argentina to the Final of the Copa America. The 35-year-old forward has consistently demonstrated his exceptional skill and vision on the pitch, earning him widespread acclaim and recognition from fans and peers alike.

This is Messi’s seventh Ballon d’Or win, matching the record set by Maradona in 1990. The Barcelona legend won the award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2019. The award ceremony was attended by footballing greats, including former winners Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Robert Lewandowski, who were all present to pay tribute to Messi’s outstanding achievements.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner expressed his gratitude to his family, teammates, and coaches for their unwavering support throughout his illustrious career. Messi also dedicated the award to Maradona, stating that it was an honor to tie the record of his idol. As Messi continues to defy age and cement his legacy, football fans around the world eagerly await to see what the future holds for this incredible talent.