Lionel Messi wins eighth Ballon d’Or, leaves Haaland, Mbappe behind

Lionel Messi has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or for the eighth time in his career on Monday in Paris.

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Argentinian football star, Lionel Messi won the prestigious Ballon d’Or for the eighth time in his career on Monday, leaving behind the Erling Haaland and Mbappe. The 36-year-old received this award for leading Argentina to victory in the FIFA World Cup last year.

The star-studded ceremony took place in Paris where Messi was handed over the award by the former England great David Beckham on Monda.

Messi on winning Ballon d’Or

After receiving the award Messi said “I never imagined having the career that I’ve had. I’ve had the luck, thank God, to have achieved all my goals, to have achieved everything in football which is very difficult.”

"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,” Messi said.

He further added “To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing. All of them [Ballon d'Or awards] are special for different reasons."

Remembering Maradona

Messi also gave tribute to Argentina football legend Diego Maradona in his speech. Diego who led Argentina to World Cup in 1986 would have turned 63.

Messi said “I want to do a final mention to Diego. Today is his birthday so I don’t think there’s a better place to wish him a happy birthday than surrounded by players, coaches, by people who love football like he did, so wherever you are, happy birthday, Diego.”

“This is also for you, I share it with you and with all of Argentina,” he added.

Other awardees

Apart from Messi, Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí also won the Ballon d'Or Féminin for leading Spain to World Cup victory this summer. She also helped Barça win Liga F and the Champions League last season.

The other awards given out also include Messi's Argentina teammate Emiliano Martinez won the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper and England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was handed the Kopa Trophy as the world's top player under the age of 21.