The Argentine superstar won the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time in Paris since 2022, including his first World Cup triumph.
Lionel Messi received the award from Inter Miami owner David Beckham after winning the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time in his career.
The 36-year-old beat Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to win the men’s title in the World Cup final against Argentina in Qatar.
In his acceptance speech, Messi wished Diego Maradona a happy 63rd birthday, acknowledging the two one-time rivals. Messi gave a speech in Spanish after presenting the award at the Stars Awards ceremony in Paris.
Here’s what he said in English: “Thanks to everyone, especially my colleagues. Thank you to everyone who voted for me.
This Ballon d’Or is a great gift for all of Argentina.
I don’t want to forget Haaland and Mbappé.
They had a great year and will likely receive this award for years to come.
“The level of competition never goes down.
I’ve been lucky enough to be here for many years.
I would like to highlight all those who were happy that Argentina became world champions.
I also want to thank my whole family, my wife and children, who have been by my side in the hardest times and helped me to achieve my dreams in football.
This would not have been possible without you.
“I want to congratulate Maradona for the last time. Happy Birthday. I don’t think there’s a better place to celebrate than holding a ball with the players. This Ballon d’Or belongs to you and the Argentine people.
“Every award has been special, but I always emphasize the importance of the team.
This is secondary.
Look at City.
They were the best players last season and they achieved everything.
“I was lucky. I played in the best teams in the world and in the best teams in history, so I managed to win many individual trophies. I had a very difficult time in Argentina, but I never gave up.
No up up Messi also admitted that Haaland and Mbappe are involved and are contenders for the award, saying he expects the pair to battle it out for the award soon.
“It’s going to be an interesting fight between those two guys and the young guys here,” he said.
Both have been good this year.
Erling, it could have been yours and it would have looked beautiful.”
Messi left PSG after scoring 21 goals in 41 games and moved to MLS side Inter Miami after playing in European competition for the first time in his career this year.
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