Argentine international Lionel Messi won his record 8th Ballon d’Or on Monday night, as he finished ahead of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
Messi won the FIFA World Cup at Qatar last year, as he scored seven goals in seven apperances in the competition. He was also named the player of the tournament.
David Beckham presented the award to Messi for the record 8th time. After receiving the award, the Argentine international thanked organisers and paid tribute to the legend Diego Maradona. He also praised his compatriots Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
After winning the award, Lionel Messi said :-
“Thanks to everyone, especially my teammates. 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 or Mbappé, who had a great year, spectacular, and in the coming years they will win this award.
“The level [of competition] never decreases, I have been lucky to be here for many years. I want to provide a special mention for all those people who were happy that Argentina became world champions. Thanks also to all my family, my wife, my children, for being there in the worst moments, and they have helped me fulfill my dreams in football. Without you it would not have been possible.
“I want to make one last mention of Maradona. Happy birthday, I think there is no better place than here to congratulate him, full of players and with a ball. This Ballon d’Or is also yours and that of all of Argentina.
“All the awards have been special, but I always emphasise the importance of the team. This is secondary. Look at City, they have been the best and achieved everything last season.
“I have been very lucky, I have played for the best team in the world, the best in history. I have been able to win many individual awards thanks to that. With Argentina I have had very bad times, but I never gave up on winning the Copa America and World Cup, and that’s why I’m proud of not having given up.”
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