da aposte e ganhe： Chelsea legend Didier Drogba will present the Ballon d’Or in 2023, with Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi expected to be celebrating once again.

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Argentine icon set to land another awardNorwegian striker expected to miss outLegendary Ivorian overseeing proceedingsWHAT HAPPENED?

The mercurial Argentine forward is set to land the eighth Golden Ball of his remarkable career when a glitzy ceremony takes place in Paris on Monday. Messi inspired his country to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022 and has made an immediate impact in America after leaving European football for a spell in MLS.

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Messi appears poised to pip Manchester City striker Erling Haaland to the most prestigious of individual accolades, with the prolific Norwegian missing out on the title of best player on the planet despite hitting 52 goals in a treble-winning 2022-23 campaign.

WHAT THEY SAID

Former Chelsea striker Drogba has revealed that he will be given the honour of overseeing the handing over of the famous Ballon d’Or trophy, with the iconic Ivorian saying: “On Monday, we’re going to present the 67th ceremony of the Ballon d’Or France Football. And we are going to talk about the last two World Cups. We’re going to talk about the treble of Manchester City. And amazing individual performances, men and women football as well. So I see you on Monday. You ready? Who’s going to be the next Ballon d’Or France Football?”

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

While Messi is ready to walk away with the men’s prize, the Ballon d’Or Feminin appears set to end up in the hands of Aitana Bonmati – with the 2023 World Cup winner poised to follow in the footsteps of Barcelona and Spain team-mate Alexia Putellas as she is recognised as the best player in the women’s game.