After declaring his Inter Miami star Lionel Messi the 2022–23 Ballon d’Or winner and earning the prized prize for the eighth time, David Beckham was brimming with delight.
Lionel Messi will have a party in Miami to commemorate his record eighth Ballon d’Or win, according to David Beckham.
On Monday night, the 36-year-old created even more history by becoming the first person to win the coveted accolade eight times. He defeated Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain and goal machine Erling Haaland of Manchester City to win the trophy.
Messi received recognition for his valiant efforts during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, scoring seven goals and providing three assists, as well as for leading PSG to the French title a few months later.
Since then, Messi has relocated to Major League Soccer to play for Inter Miami, a team owned by former Real Madrid and Manchester United great Beckham. And during a ceremony on Monday night in the French capital, “Golden Balls” gave Messi the golden ball.
With 10 goals in his first seven games, the Barcelona legend led Miami to the Leagues Cup victory until injury concerns derailed a late push for the playoffs. He has had a profound effect in South Florida.
“It’s very special to say he’s a Miami player and he’s in our city,” a prideful Beckham said in Paris. “He’ll celebrate this with his teammates and his family in his way.
“We’ll do our best to celebrate it in the Miami way. I’m sure we can do a good party.”
Beckham added on Instagram : “Huge honour to present Leo with his eighth Ballon d’Or tonight in Paris. Such a special night for Leo and his family and it was a privilege to be there to celebrate such an incredible achievement, Miami are truly honoured to have the best. Congratulations my friend.”
Aitana Bonmati, a midfielder for Barcelona and Spain, earned the women’s award after being instrumental in her team’s and nation’s Champions League and World Cup victories.
“It’s nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment,” Messi said on stage. “To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream. I couldn’t imagine having the career I’ve had and everything I’ve achieved, the fortune I’ve had to be part of the best team in history.
“All of them [the eight Ballon d’Or awards] are special for different reasons.”
Beckham also used the opportunity to pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton after the Manchester United and England icon died earlier this month aged 86.
“I probably don’t have to tell this room how special Sir Bobby was to the world of football,” Beckham said. “He was respected on the field for what he won but was respected even more off the field for what he stood for.
“He will be missed. When we looked up into the stands he would always be there cheering us on.
“He started it off for me. If it was not for Sir Bobby turning around to Manchester United and saying ‘Watch this young man’ I probably would not have played for Manchester United. I owe him everything.”