Lionel Messi has found his smile back since moving to Inter Miami in the MLS, where the Argentine is greatly adored. The former Barcelona player escaped the torment of the expectations placed on him at PSG to play for Inter Miami, the club he led to its first title after joining in July.
After picking up his 8th Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi celebrated the win with his Inter Miami family, inspiring the youths at the club that anything is possible. The Argentine picked up the Ballon d’Or for the 8th time over Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, who occupied the second and third spots, respectively.
Watch: Lionel Messi celebrates Ballon d’Or win with Inter Miami
Lionel Messi completed football last year when he claimed the World Cup with Argentina last December, defeating Mbappe’s France in the final. After enduring a few more months at PSG, Messi moved to Inter Miami in July, making an instant impact with the MLS side and picking up the club’s first trophy when they beat Nashville in the League Cup final.
His efforts did not go unnoticed by the most prestigious award in the soccer world, as he picked up his 8th Ballon d’Or award. While this provoked some opinions on social media about his worthiness for the award, Messi is not letting the noise get to him.
Lionel Messi took the trophy to Inter Miami’s training facility to celebrate with the team and also inspire the academy players who were there to welcome him to the facility.
Messi’s son, Thiago, is also a part of the Inter Miami youth setup. The 12-year-old was announced as a part of the club’s under-12 team in August, where he currently trains and plays alongside other academy players.
Drake Callender congratulates Messi on his 8th Ballon d’Or
Lionel Messi’s 8th Ballon d’Or has attracted congratulatory messages from everyone associated with the Argentine, including club goalkeeper Drake Callender.
The American goalkeeper presented Messi with a placard designed to show the number 8, indicating the number of times the Argentine has won the award.
Former teammates of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also reached out with congratulatory messages.
“Congratulations, Leo Messi,” the Barcelona legend posted on his Instagram. “Once again, the best player in the world!! Very happy for you, brother. A big hug,” he added.
Neymar also posted a picture of the Argentine on his Instagram story, congratulating his former Barcelona and PSG teammate. “Congratulations, Leo, you’re the best,” he posted.
Can Messi lead Inter Miami to glory next year?
