Lionel Messi received a gift from his Inter Miami teammates after winning the Ballon d’Or.
On Monday, Messi won a record-equalling eighth Ballon d’Or at a ceremony in Paris.
The Argentine finished ahead of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe after leading his country to their first World Cup triumph since 1986 last December.
At the World Cup in Qatar, Messi captained his team, scored seven goals in seven games and was crowned player of the tournament.
The Ballon d’Or honors the best footballer of the year and is voted for by 100 journalists from around the world.
And when Messi received his eighth award, three more than anyone else after Cristiano Ronaldo had won it five times, his Inter Miami teammates presented the Argentine with a large gold cutout of an “8” signed by the team.
When he handed Messi the cutout, Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender said: “To the best player in the world.” Already signed by everyone [players].
“Thanks Leo. Congratulations again. Ocho.”
Messi not only helped Argentina win the World Cup, but also played a key role in winning Inter Miami’s first-ever trophy – the League Cup.
The small forward has scored 11 goals in 14 games for Major League Soccer.
After winning the Ballon d’Or earlier this week, Messi said: “It’s nice to be here again and enjoy this moment. To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream.”
The former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain star continued: “I couldn’t imagine the career I’ve had and everything I’ve achieved, being lucky enough to be part of the best team in history.”
“All of them [Ballon d’Or awards] are special for different reasons.”
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