Paris : Argentine legend Lionel Messi won Ballon d’Or for 8th time, fending off competition from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland after leading Argentina to the World Cup last year.
“I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had. Everything that I’ve achieved,” Messi said after getting his award. “The fortune I’ve had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It’s nice to win these individual trophies.
“To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing. All of them [Ballon d’Or awards] are special for different reasons.”
Messi thanked his Argentina coach, teammates and staff for making his victory possible.
“Tonight I’m enjoying myself. It’s a pleasure that will never leave me, and I hope to be able to enjoy it for many years to come,” Messi said through a translator. “Becoming world champion was the title we were missing. I’d like to thank everyone who helped make Argentina the world champion team.”
Messi also paid tribute to the late Diego Maradona, who also helped Argentina win the World Cup, back in 1986.
“This title and this trophy,” Messi said, “I share them with you and all our Argentina comrades.”
With this , Messi, becomes the first MLS-based player to claim the prize, although the triumph comes largely on back of his heroics with Argentina in FIFA World Cup win, 2022.
Former Manchester United player and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham handed his prize-signing Messi the award in Paris.
