Lionel Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or already in the bag beating Haaland

The Argentine superstar already has seven Golden Balls to his name – more than anybody else in history. He is now set to be recognized as the best player on the planet once again having inspired his country to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022.

Diario Sport reports that Messi will be handed the most prestigious of individual accolades at a glitzy ceremony hosted by France Football in Paris on October 30. That award will pull him further clear of eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi, who linked up with MLS side Inter Miami over the summer, will also become the first recipient of the Ballon d’Or to be playing their club football outside of Europe.

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In the process of adding another entry to the record books, Messi will pip prolific Manchester City striker Erling Haaland – who hit 52 goals while helping the Blues to Treble glory last season.