Lionel Messi Grabs 8th Ballon D’or

Lionel Messi, Argentina’s captain, has won the Men’s Ballon d’Or for the eighth time.

Messi, 36, became the first ever player to reach such a milestone in football history.

He was recognised at the ceremony in Paris for his heroics at the World Cup in Qatar last year.

The Ballon d’Or recognises the best footballer of the year and is voted for by 100 journalists from around the world.

The Argentine had a very productive year after guiding his country to World Cup glory in Qatar.

Messi was also influential in Inter Miami‘s run to their first trophy, scoring 11 goals in 14 appearances for the Major League Soccer side.

He has now won three more Ballon d’Or awards, more than anyone else, with Cristiano Ronaldo having won it five times, most recently in 20