In a momentous achievement, Lionel Messi has secured his eighth Ballon d’Or award. The 36-year-old, representing Inter Miami and Argentina, led his national team to World Cup victory in Qatar, ending a 36-year-long wait for Argentina. Messi’s stellar performance included key goals in the tournament, notably in the final against France, where he scored twice and was named the player of the match.
This victory cements Messi’s legacy, making him the most decorated Ballon d’Or recipient ever, surpassing all previous records. Despite strong competition from top talents like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, Messi’s exceptional contributions on the field, both for PSG and the national team, earned him this prestigious accolade. His moving tribute to Diego Maradona added emotional depth to the occasion, marking a fitting celebration of his extraordinary career.