As Lionel Messi clutches his eighth Ballon d’Or, there is still wonder, even though the buzz had been muffled after news of the inevitable leaked out earlier.

As the greatest player of all time, Messi no longer needs individual awards to prove his greatness.

For the 2022 World Cup, the Argentine used every trick in his book of magical spells to lead his nation to triumph and win every championship he could.

He becomes the world’s greatest player for the eighth time in his brilliant career.

Of all his records, this may be the hardest to beat in this generation.

Messi was tipped by France coach Didier Deschamps, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, Manchester City midfielder Rodri, and others to win again, a testament to his ability.

Erling Haaland’s remarkable haul in Manchester City’s treble-winning season may be debated, but this was a World Cup year, so the vote was always going to favor the Argentine.

The way he led his nation to the title they wanted, played throughout the tournament, and even at club level outside of his goals and assists—not many can be displeased at the sport’s best being handed flowers.