The Argentine superstar was named winner of the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time at a ceremony in Paris following his incredible 2022, which included his first World Cup triumph.
Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or and received the award from Inter Miami owner David Beckham.
The 36-year-old won the men’s prize ahead of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe after winning the World Cup with Argentina, beating the latter and France in the final in Qatar.
In his acceptance speech, Messi paid tribute to Diego Maradona on the occasion of his 63rd birthday while also honoring two players he played with.
Messi spoke in Spanish after receiving the award at the awards ceremony in Paris.
Here is everything he said translated to English: “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 would like to especially mention those who were happy when Argentina became world champions.
I would also like to thank all my family, my wife, my children for being with me in the worst times and they helped me realize my football dream.
Without you, this would not be possible.
“I want to mention Maradona one last time.
Happy birthday, I think there is no better place to congratulate him than here, full of players and with a ball.
This golden ball is also yours and Argentina’s.
“All awards are special, but I always emphasize the importance of the team.
That’s secondary.
Look at City, they are the strongest team and they achieved everything last season.
” I’m very lucky, I played for the best team in the world, the best in history, thanks to which I was able to win many individual awards.
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.
Messi also acknowledged Haaland and Mbappe being in attendance and the fact they were in contention for the award, stating that he expected the two to fight to win it for the foreseeable future.
He said: “It’s going to be a nice fight between the two of them and between several other younger players around here.
They both deserved it this year.
Erling, this could have been yours and it would have felt perfect.
” Messi moved away from the European leagues from the first time in his career this year, leaving PSG after scoring 21 goals in 41 games before signing for Inter Miami in the MLS.
