Lionel Messi wins record 8th Ballon d'Or

On Monday, Lionel Messi of Inter Miami won the eighth Ballon d'Or, setting a new record. Every year, awards are given to the best soccer players.

After helping Argentina win the World Cup at the end of the previous year, Messi, 36, was presented with this year's Ballon d'Or in Paris. It was the biggest honor of the Inter Miami star's career to date. In 2009, Messi took home his first Ballon d'Or.

The former Barcelona player received more votes than Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Kylian Mbappé, Messi's former teammate at Paris Saint-Germain.

"Thank God, I've had the good fortune to accomplish all of my goals and succeed in everything in football, which is extremely challenging," Messi said as he accepted the Ballon d'Or from Inter Miami co-owner and renowned English player David Beckham. "I never thought I would have the career I do."

Messi also brought up the late great Argentinean soccer player Diego Maradona, who died in 2020 and is still revered as a national hero in his home nation.

"I want to wish Diego [Maradona] a fond farewell. "I don't think there's a better place to wish him a happy birthday than here, among other players, coaches, and football enthusiasts," Messi said, in reference to the fact that it is his birthday today. So, wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. I give you and Argentina as a whole this [award]. It's for you as well.