Lionel Messi has won a record eighth Ballon d'Or men's award, beating competition from Manchester City Erling Haaland for the 2023 award, following his first World Cup victory in 2022.

Messi was the favourite to clinch the Golden Ball heading into the star-studded ceremony in Paris, and he was indeed handed the gong by the formal England International, David Beckham, on Monday night.

The 36-year-old came ahead of Manchester City's Erling Haaland in second place and Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe in third.

It is the eighth time that Messi has been crowned the best men's player on the planet, with his performances during the 2022 World Cup going a long way to ensuring he claimed the individual silverware.

The Argentina captain scored in every knockout-stage game en route to La Albiceleste finally ending their wait for a global trophy.

At club level, the former Barcelona legend, helped Paris Saint-Germain secure the Ligue 1 title, registering 16 goals and 16 assists.

This year's Ballon d'Or debate has been dominated by Messi and Haaland with the Norwegian scored 52 goals for Man City last season.

He played a pivotal role as Pep Guardiola's side clinched a historic treble.

Messi is currently plying his trade for MLS side Inter Miami, but as they did not make the playoffs, he is enjoying some well-deserved time off. 

He should feature in Argentina's November games against Uruguay and Brazil.