20 February 2024 , 09:20
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Lionel Messi has donated his eighth Ballon d'Or trophy to the Barcelona museum despite not winning the award while playing for the club.
The Argentine's seven previous Ballons d'Or came while he starred for the La Liga giants. He was forced to leave the Nou Camp in 2021 amid Barca's financial crisis, with the superstar joining PSG on a free transfer.
During his final season in France, Messi won the Ligue 1 title, as well as leading Argentina to the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Messi was named player of the tournament in Qatar as he helped his side to beat France in the final despite Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick.
In the summer of 2023, he joined Inter Miami, where he immediately took over the captaincy and starred as they won the Leagues Cup. His achievements saw him win the Ballon d'Or for a record-extending eighth time in October.
But rather than hold on to the trophy, or give it to PSG, Messi has instead opted to donate it to Barca. That is according to El Noticias, who report that he has made the gesture so that it can be displayed with the other seven he has won.
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Messi finished ahead of runner-up Erling Haaland and third-place Mbappe to lift the trophy in Paris. He also won the FIFA Best award for the second successive year in January, though it is unknown where that trophy is being displayed, with Messi having not attended the ceremony.
When he was handed the Ballon d'Or award last Autumn, Messi revealed his delight at being crowned the world's best player. He insisted that winning remained special, even though it was his eighth title.
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Messi has donated his eighth Ballon d'Or trophy to his former club (AFP via Getty Images)“I’m delighted to be here once more, to be able to enjoy this moment one more time. To be able to win the World Cup and really achieve my dream, I want to share this with all those who were involved," he said.
“They’re all special these awards, the most special is the team prizes. It’s always special to be recognised. I couldn’t have dreamed of having the career that I had, everything I’ve achieved.
To have the success, the fortune I’ve had. The best team in the world, the best team in history, makes it so much easier to win so many titles, to win these individual prizes. To win the Copa America and then to get the World Cup, after so many difficult moments in the national team.
“I’m very happy to be at Inter Miami and find myself in the situation I’m in. I’m enjoying some different moments in life with my family. Being a world champion was fantastic. I feel so calm right now with this prize.
"To be able to have the career I’ve had, and enjoy football as much as I have. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be going for, but I’m inclined to enjoy it. As long as I am fit physically and can compete, I am going to keep doing it."
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