Inter Miami's Argentine forward Lionel Messi holding his record eighth Ballon d'Or trophy prior to a Major League Soccer (MLS) friendly football match against New York City FC at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November Friday — AFP FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov 11 (AP): Lionel Messi held the Ballon D'Or over his head as fireworks lit up the sky to bring a pregame ceremony to a close. And with that, Inter Miami got to celebrate the game's greatest player one more time in 2023.
Messi was on the field for his Major League Soccer club on Friday night for a friendly against New York City FC, a match put together to commemorate his eighth time winning the Ballon D'Or - presented annually to the game's top player - at a black-tie ceremony in Paris last month. No other player has won that award more than five times.
Messi - carrying the trophy in his left hand - walked to midfield on a gold carpet laid out across the pitch, where MLS Commissioner Don Garber was among those awaiting his arrival for a brief pregame ceremony. He embraced Garber, Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas, then hoisted the trophy as the crowd roared.
"To me, it is something beautiful to share with you," Messi said. "I've only been here a little while but it really feels like I've been here a long time."
Salernitana draw 2-2 with Sassuolo in Italian league. Genoa beats Verona 1-0.
© 2026 - All Rights with The Financial Express
