Argentina and Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has won a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or trophy in a glittering ceremony in Paris, France. Messi pipped Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe to win the award.

The 36-year-old had a season to remember, getting his hands on the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy in Qatar last year. Messi scored 32 goals and provided 25 assists in 55 matches across competitions. He helped PSG lift the Ligue-1 title in the 2023/23 season, while guiding Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup triumph this year.

Messi had a brilliant World Cup campaign in Qatar, helping Argentina win their third title. He scored seven goals while providing three assists in seven matches. Messi netted a brace in the final as Argentina beat France on penalties following a hat-trick from Mbappe at the Lusail Stadium. He was named the Man of the Match in the final while also winning the Golden Ball, given to the best player of the tournament.

Messi also became the first player in the history of FIFA World Cups to score in the group stage, last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.

Meanwhile, Mbappe netted 41 goals and provided 10 assists in 43 matches for PSG last season. Haaland found the back of the net on 52 occasions, while chipping in with nine assists in 53 matches as Manchester City became just the second English club to win the historic treble, lifting the Premier League, FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League title last season.