Inter Miami and Argentina forward, Lionel Messi, has opted to gift his most recent Ballon d’Or award to Barcelona Museum.
This development is coming barely three months after he controversially won the award, beating out strong contenders like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
New Telegraph recalls that Messi received his record eighth title as the world’s best player in October of last year, credited to his leadership during Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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The 36-year-old received the award nearly seven months after achieving the one major honour that had previously eluded him throughout his career, sparking frustration among some fans and pundits who believed Manchester City’s Haaland was a more deserving candidate.
However, Messi has reportedly donated his latest individual prize, the Ballon d’Or trophy, to Barcelona, despite not winning it during his time with the club, according to Spanish journalist Miquel Blazquez, four months after receiving the award.