Before Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, Lionel Messi was recognized by the Argentina FA for earning a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or.

Lionel Messi was honored by the Argentina FA for his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or award just before a World Cup qualifying match against rivals Uruguay.

As Messi made his way onto the field at La Bombonera, the fervent fans who had gathered to witness the reigning World Cup champions try to secure a spot in the 2026 event erupted in cheers.

Former Boca Juniors teammate and current vice president Juan Roman Riquelme welcomed him, as did Argentina FA president Claudio Tapia.Messi was presented with a plaque within a box that displayed a photograph of him carrying the Ballon d’Or after he had greeted them both.

 

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Messi wasted no time getting back into the action for Paris Saint-Germain as he came down from the high of winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

A fractious relationship with PSG fans—upset at the club’s elimination from the Coupe de France and the Champions title—did not stop him from winning the title with the Parisiens.After contemplating his future choices, Messi decided to join Inter Miami of Major League Soccer when his contract expired in the summer.

Despite losing in the US Open Cup final and not making it to the MLS Cup Playoffs, his summer choice was swiftly rewarded with a Leagues Cup win.