Messi claims record eighth Ballon d’Or, speaks about retirement

Messi claims record eighth Ballon d’Or, speaks about retirement

Argentina forward Lionel Messi Monday night made history as he won the Ballon d’Or for a record eighth time.

Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati claimed the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
Messi, now at Inter Miami, led his country to World Cup glory last year.  He lifted the trophy for the first time and won the Golden Ball award for the best player of the tournament in Qatar.
The 36-year-old reclaimed the Ballon d’Or from France’s Karim Benzema to add to his wins in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.
The former Barcelona forward’s victory increases his lead over five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, 38-year-old Portugal international, who plays for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, was not on the shortlist for the first time since 2003.

Messi was presented with the award by David Beckham, owner of Inter Miami and runner-up in the 1999 Ballon d’Or, and the Argentine admitted this will be his last Ballon d’Or win.
He said, “I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had.
“Everything that I’ve achieved; 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.
“Being world champion was fantastic. But the truth is I’ve never really got used to receiving awards and being on the stage like this.
“Slowly I have got used to it a bit more since winning it for the first time in 2009. I think today is the last time I will win it, so it feels calmer and I will enjoy it in a different way.
“I’m proud of the career I’ve had. I’ve enjoyed football all my life and soon I’ll enjoy it from the other side.”