BALLON D'OR
Who did Inter Miami star Lionel Messi dedicate his eighth Ballon d’Or to on Instagram?
The Argentina captain believes the 2022 World Cup was the key to his triumph, while former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez also got involved.
Lionel Messi and his entourage continue to celebrate after the Inter Miami star was named the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner ahead of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappé.
On Tuesday, the Argentina captain returned to Miami to check back in with The Herons squad, who paid tribute to their talisman out on the training field. While flying back to Florida from Monday’s gala in Paris, the 36-year-old was himself keen to honour those who had helped him win the Ballon d’Or for an eighth time via a post on social media.
Messi took to Instagram to thank everyone who has supported him throughout his career and dedicated the award to them, as well as his family. There was also a special mention for his Argentina teammates, with whom he lifted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Lionel Messi’s dedication post on Instagram
“I only have words of gratitude for everyone around the world who has supported me so much during my career and to whom I want to dedicate this award, along with my family, who have always been by my side. I also want to share this Ballon d’Or with my teammates from the national team, the coaching staff and other employees... because without the World Cup that we achieved together, it would have been impossible to win it. Congratulations to all the other winners and thank you very much,” read the former Paris Saint-Germain star’s message.
Luis Suárez asks Messi to chase ninth Ballon d’Or
Ex-Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez, a close friend of Messi’s, was one of many to comment on the post. The Uruguayan has been rumoured as a possible new signing for Inter Miami ahead of the 2024 MLS season.
True to form and the relationship between the pair, Suárez told the Argentine to “get his act together” and chase a ninth Ballon d’Or, writing: “Amazing, man! Now get your act together and go after a ninth. Have a great time, you totally deserve it.”