Lionel Messi, the Argentine hero, created history as he was crowned as the “best player in 2023,” securing a record eight Ballon Dor Award in Paris. Messi led Argentina in a historic World Cup-winning campaign last year in Qatar to lift the World Cup title.
Messi moved to MLS outfit Inter Miami from PSG this summer as a free agent. Miami’s current season concluded early after crashing out of playoff contention. The 36-year-old admitted he desires to return to Barcelona after winning the coveted award.
Lionel Messi expresses desire to play in Barcelona
FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi parted ways after 20 long years with the Spanish giants in 2021 to join French side Paris Saint-Germain, where he spent two seasons before moving to Inter Miami in July this year.
Messi’s season with his current side has ended as they failed to qualify for the play-off, finishing second last in the league table. It was speculated that he could return to FC Barcelona on a short-term loan deal during the MLS off-season; however, Messi himself denied the reports saying his focus remained in Miami.
After lifting his record-eighth honor in Paris, the 36-year-old will join the Inter Miami squad in China for their friendly fixture scheduled during the China tour in the first week of November to prepare early for the next MLS season, kicking off in February 2024.
Earlier, it was confirmed by President Joan Laporta that Lionel Messi would return to Barcelona for a farewell match during the inauguration of the newly renovated Camp Nou. During the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Messi was asked about the possibility of returning to Camp Nou. He expressed his desire to play in the tribute match to end things on a good note.
Messi told reporters, “There was a bitter taste when I left and I don’t like that. I’d like to change the way the story ended. I deserve to say goodbye to the people that gave me so much joy. If it happens I’ll be very happy to be there of course.”
Lionel Messi earns eight gold rings after Ballon d’Or win
Lionel Messi, the best player in the world, has won his record eighth Ballon d’Or award. To mark the occasion, Adidas presented their World Cup-winning athlete with as many as 14-karat gold championship rings as a gift, each representing a different meaning.
The gold rings replicate all the glorious moments in his career, from his 91 goals in a single season for Barcelona to his iconic celebration. His Copa America triumph and historic World Cup campaign are all embedded in the gold rings to acknowledge his legacy in the sport.
Do you want to see Messi play in the Blaugrana jersey once again? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
