Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has etched his name in the annals of history by securing his eighth Ballon d’Or. The prestigious award ceremony took place at the Grand Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

In a momentous event that has sent ripples through the world of football, Messi, the architect of Argentina’s triumphant World Cup campaign in 2022, was widely tipped to clinch this coveted award. His stellar performance throughout the season, marked by breathtaking goals and assists, made him an irresistible choice for the accolade. With this win, Messi has shattered yet another record by becoming the first player to win the Ballon d’Or while representing a Major League Soccer team.

Before his announcement tonight, the buzz surrounding the Argentine’s potential eight Ballon d’Or had been escalating for weeks. Speculations were rife about his victory, with several reports hinting at Messi being the frontrunner for the men’s award. However, Vincent Garcia, editor of France Football, maintained that the vote was “very, very close”.

This triumph reinforces Messi’s stature as one of the most influential figures in football history. His exceptional skills, coupled with his unwavering consistency, continue to redefine excellence in football.