Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or takes ‘Pride of Place’ in Barcelona museum collection in a warm gesture by the Argentina World Cup winner

Lionel Messi's Museum is the only such structure from Barcelona towards a player!

Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or takes ‘Pride of Place’ in Barcelona museum collection in a warm gesture by the Argentina World Cup winner

Lionel Messi's 8th Ballon d'Or is being housed at the Barcelona Museum. (Image via EuroSport)

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi in a heartwarming gesture, has given away his eighth Ballon d’Or title to be housed at the Barcelona museum. Messi secured his record eighth award, after guiding his national team to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The 36-year-old forward won the Ballon d’Or in October 2023, which became his eighth award since first winning it in 2009. He defeated Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in a close contest, to win the coveted award. The ex-Barcelona forward has handed out the Ballon d’Or, to be exhibited in the FC Barcelona museum. It would be displayed along with the other seven awards he won, which are also being kept at the museum.

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Sports journalist Miquel Blazquez initially broke the news story, with video footage later emerging to show the 2023 Ballon d’Or trophy alongside the rest of Messi’s achievements. Among them are his two Golden Ball awards earned post the 2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. Moreover, Lionel Messi’s home reportedly lacks sufficient space to exhibit his massive collection of record-breaking trophies, prompting such a move from the player.

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Most of the former Barcelona star’s honors have been kept in the special section dedicated to him at the museum, which opened in 2016. The Argentine had previously stated that all his belongings, were housed in the club’s museum, and this would continue in the future.

Lionel Messi expected to win trophies at Inter Miami in his first full season at the club

Argentine star and 2022 World Cup winner Lionel Messi, is expected to win some major trophies this season, at MLS side Inter Miami. This marks the 36-year-old’s inaugural full season with the club, having joined David Beckham‘s side in July 2023.

Messi with other Barca teammates
Lionel Messi along with other Inter Miami teammates Busquets and Alba, and club owner David Beckham. (Image via DetikSport)

In addition to Messi, Inter Miami features other former Barcelona players including Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. The club will kick off the new MLS campaign on Wednesday. Expectations are high for the Argentine star to bring success to his club and draw more attention to the league. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had previously led Miami to victory in the Leagues Cup, contributing to increased crowd enthusiasm and stadium attendance.

Messi and his teammates face a demanding season ahead, competing in the MLS and the regional CONCACAF Champions Cup. Additionally, they aim to defend their Leagues Cup title against top North American teams.

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