Lionel Messi has declined to showcase his impressive eighth Ballon d’Or award at PSG, quipping that the fans wouldn’t appreciate seeing it after a disappointing season on the pitch.
Despite enjoying his time in Paris with his family, Messi admitted that his sporting experience at the club didn’t meet his expectations. The football legend joined PSG in 2021 after leaving Barcelona, and although he initially struggled to settle, he eventually found his form.
However, his relationship with the club and fans deteriorated, with supporters even booing him towards the end of the 2022-23 season. Messi also expressed disappointment that PSG didn’t acknowledge his World Cup win with Argentina in December. As a result, he decided not to renew his contract with PSG and instead signed with Inter Miami in MLS.
“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.”
Lionel Messi secured his eighth Ballon d’Or on Monday evening (October 30, 2023), setting a new record and surpassing his previous achievement. The prestigious award ceremony in Paris saw the footballing legend receive the coveted Golden Ball from David Beckham on Monday evening.
Despite facing stiff competition from Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Messi emerged victorious, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe taking third place. Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri, both from Manchester City, claimed fourth and fifth place respectively. The remaining top 10 spots were filled by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, City’s Julian Alvarez, Victor Osimhen, City’s Bernardo Silva, and Madrid’s Luka Modric.
At the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Messi showcased his exceptional skills by scoring an impressive seven goals, just one less than the eventual Golden Boot winner, Kylian Mbappe. Not only did Messi excel in finding the back of the net, but he also demonstrated his playmaking abilities by providing three assists and delivering 21 key passes, which were the highest in the tournament.
Additionally, Messi displayed his accuracy and precision by recording the most shots on target, with a total of 13. Furthermore, Messi etched his name in World Cup history by becoming the first player to score in the group stage, last 16, quarter-final, semi-final, and final all in a single tournament. This remarkable feat was accompanied by an outstanding achievement of receiving five Man of the Match awards, setting a new record.
When it came to recognizing the best player of the Qatar competition, there was no doubt that Messi deserved the prestigious Golden Ball. This honor made him the only player to have won the award twice, with his previous triumph coming in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Having participated in five World Cups, Messi’s overall goal contributions are unmatched. He has scored an impressive 13 goals and provided eight assists throughout his World Cup journey.
Moreover, 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 is worth noting 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.
