Lionel Messi has chosen not to display his remarkable eighth Ballon d’Or award at PSG, joking that the fans wouldn’t appreciate seeing it after a disappointing season on the field. Even though he enjoyed his time in Paris with his family, Messi confessed that his sporting experience at the club did not meet his expectations. The football icon moved to PSG in 2021 after leaving Barcelona, and despite initial struggles, he eventually found his form.
However, his rapport with the club and its fans soured, with supporters even booing him toward the end of the 2022-23 season. Messi also expressed dismay that PSG didn’t acknowledge his World Cup win with Argentina in December. Consequently, he opted not to renew his contract with PSG and instead signed with Inter Miami in the MLS. Messi secured his eighth Ballon d’Or on October 30, 2023, setting a new record, surpassing his previous achievement. The prestigious award ceremony in Paris saw him receive the coveted Golden Ball from David Beckham.
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Amid tough competition from Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Messi emerged as the victor, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe securing third place. Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri claimed the fourth and fifth positions respectively. The remaining top 10 spots were occupied by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, City’s Julian Alvarez, Victor Osimhen, City’s Bernardo Silva, and Madrid’s Luka Modric.
“I’m not sure the Parisians want that I present the Ballon d’Or to the Parc [des Princes],” he said at a press conference after the 2023 ceremony in Paris. “My time in Paris did not go as I hoped for different reasons. I lived for two years in Paris and I have very good friends there, I have enjoyed the city a lot. My sons really enjoyed it and it cost them a lot to leave Paris because they didn’t want to move yet and they wanted to stay in their school and with their friends. It’s an incredible city that I had the chance to live in for a bit. From a sporting point of view, it didn’t go as I hoped but I keep in mind all the good things that I have lived, and there have also been many.”
During the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Messi showcased his extraordinary skills by scoring an impressive seven goals, just one less than the eventual Golden Boot winner, Kylian Mbappe. Not only did Messi excel in scoring but he also displayed his playmaking abilities by providing three assists and delivering 21 key passes, the highest in the tournament.
Furthermore, Messi demonstrated his accuracy and precision by recording the most shots on target, totaling 13. He also made history in the World Cup by becoming the first player to score in the group stage, last 16, quarter-final, semi-final, and final all in a single tournament. Alongside this remarkable feat, he received five Man of the Match awards, setting a new record.
In recognizing the best player of the Qatar competition, there was no doubt that Messi deserved the prestigious Golden Ball. This achievement made him the only player to have won the award twice, with his previous win in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Having participated in five World Cups, Messi’s overall goal contributions are unparalleled. He has scored an impressive 13 goals and provided eight assists throughout his World Cup journey.
Furthermore, Messi holds the record for the most appearances in the tournament, with 26 matches played, surpassing the legendary Lothar Matthaus of Germany by one appearance. It’s important to note that only three players have scored more World Cup goals than Messi: Miroslav Klose with 16 goals, Ronaldo Nazario with 15 goals, and Gerd Muller with 14 goals.
