03 November 2023 , 16:49
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Inter Miami CF are so pleased they have Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi in their squad that a friendly match will be held in honour of his latest achievement.
The football icon won the prestigious award for the eighth time, ahead of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and French superstar Kylian Mbappe. Following the news, Inter Miami has agreed to take part in a friendly match against New York City FC on November 10 to celebrate the Argentine’s record-extending Ballon d’Or win.
The match has been officially titled "Noche d’Or" and will take place at Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium. "Come join us as we celebrate history at @drvpnkstadium!,” Inter Miami tweeted. “Next Friday, November 10th we will commemorate Messi’s historic eighth Ballon d’Or with a night full of festivities featuring a friendly match against New York City FC, and an afterparty by @fiestabresh!"
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New York City FC added: “#NYCFC today announced that it will play a friendly against @InterMiamiCF on Friday, November 10 at DRV PNK Stadium in commemoration of Lionel Messi’s historic eighth Ballon d’Or award.” The 36-year-old will be happy with the recognition he has received at Miami after he did not get a reception anywhere close to that at PSG after winning the World Cup.
Argentina defeated France on penalties to win an enthralling final in Qatar, but Messi was unhappy with the lack of celebrations when he returned to PSG. “I was the only player of the [squad] that didn’t get a [club] recognition,” he said in 2022.
He then implied the lack of recognition for his achievement was because Argentina had beaten France, the country in which he played club football at the time. “It was understandable ... because of us [Argentina], they didn’t retain the World Cup,” he added.
Lionel Messi won the eighth Ballon d'Or of his career on Monday (Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)In Qatar, Messi scored seven goals, one of which was an important goal against Mexico in the group stages and two in the final, en route to guiding his nation to the trophy. It was this achievement, as well as his exploits in Miami where he won the Leagues Cup and scored 11 goals in 14 games, that earned him another Ballon d’Or trophy.
"It's nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment," Messi said. "To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream." The former Barcelona star added: "I couldn't imagine having the career I've had and everything I've achieved.
"The fortune I've had to be part of the best team in history. All of them [Ballon d'Or awards] are special for different reasons."
Messi was close to winning his second award of the week but missed out to Atlanta United striker and former Celtic player Giorgos Giakoumakis who was voted as the MLS Newcomer of the Year.
Messi earned 27.3% of the total votes for the award, while Giakoumakis received 45.8% of the vote. The Greek striker scored 17 goals in his 28 regular season appearances for the Eastern Conference team which helped them secure a spot in the Playoffs.