Ballon d'Or awards ceremony - Lionel Messi Clinches Record Eighth Ballon d'Or 

Lionel Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami CF in MLS, has won the Ballon d'Or for a record eighth time.

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His achievement makes him the first player in Major League Soccer (MLS) to win this prestigious award.

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Messi's win at the Ballon d'Or is largely due to his leadership in leading Argentina to World Cup victory last year.

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Messi was presented the award in Paris by former Manchester United player and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.

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Manchester City's brilliant striker Erling Haaland finished second in the Ballon d'Or voting. He also received the Gerd Muller Trophy, which is awarded to the best striker of the year.

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Haaland's remarkable season included scoring 52 goals as Manchester City secured the treble in 2022–23.

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In his acceptance speech, Messi expressed gratitude and disbelief at his successful career.

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He acknowledged the impact of playing for top clubs and his luck in representing the best team in the world and history.

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