Inter Miami CF's Argentine forward Lionel Messi reacts on stage next to his trophy as he receives his 8th Ballon d'Or award during the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Oct 30, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

PARIS - Lionel Messi won his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or here on Monday, while Spain's Aitana Bonmati claimed the women's award.

The Argentine soccer great won the award for his exceptional performance at the Qatar World Cup last year when he led Argentina to the trophy with seven goals and was named the best player of the tournament.

Messi has won the most significant individual football award in the years of 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and now 2023.

Becoming world champion was the title we were missing. I'd like to thank everyone who helped make Argentina the world champion team.

Lionel Messi, Argentine professional footballer

"This is a gift to the whole Argentina team for what we achieved," said Messi, paying tribute to his teammates. "Becoming world champion was the title we were missing. I'd like to thank everyone who helped make Argentina the world champion team."

He also dedicated the trophy to legendary Argentine footballer Diego Maradona, who passed away in 2020 and would have celebrated his 63rd birthday on Monday.

"Happy birthday Diego. This is for you too," he said.

Norwegian forward Erling Haaland came second for winning the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup title with Manchester City, while Qatar World Cup golden boot winner Kylian Mbappe was third.

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FC Barcelona's and Spain's national team's midfielder Aitana Bonmati holds the trophy as she receives the 2023 Women's Ballon d'Or award during the 67th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, on Oct 30, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

Bonmati lifted the women's Ballon d'Or, ahead of Australia's Sam Kerr and compatriot Salma Paralluelo, for winning Spain's first Women's World Cup title in August.

Bonmati, a Champions League winner with Barcelona and World Cup winner with Spain, succeeds fellow Spaniard Alexia Putellas, who was also the 2021 winner.

It says a lot that we won the Ballon d'Or three times in a row. We are a country that lives football, and we work hard every day to be the best.

Aitana Bonmati, Spanish professional footballer

"Spain has something unique. In recent years we have achieved a lot with our clubs and the national team," Bonmati told reporters.

"It says a lot that we won the Ballon d'Or three times in a row. We are a country that lives football, and we work hard every day to be the best."

While she has now won the biggest titles in the sport, Bonmati still has the sparkle and motivation to reach new heights.

"I don't know if you've noticed that I'm nervous. I haven't slept for a few days. Being at the great gala of world football is unique and to be valued," the 25-year-old said.

"I play for a big club and for the national team. In both I have the best players and coaches. With the club we've been reaching the Champions League final for three years in a row, which is difficult and says a lot about the mentality we have.

"I'm confident... we're going to win more titles."

In other awards, England's Jude Bellingham was named the best under-21 player, while Haaland won the prize for the best striker of the year.

READ MORE: Benzema wins Ballon d'Or, Putellas retains women's trophy

Messi's national team teammate Emiliano Martinez won the Lev Yashin Award for best goalkeeper.

With Reuters inputs