Eight golden rings have been given to Lionel Messi in honor of each of his Ballon d’Or crowns.
During a lavish ceremony in Paris on Monday, the 36-year-old Argentine celebrity was announced as the recipient of the prize for a record-breaking eighth time.
Adidas, a major player in sportswear, presented the 14-carat gold rings to the Inter Miami striker. Every ring, which will presumably be put up for auction, represents a Ballon d’Or victory for Messi.
They feature an inscription relating to memorable moments in Messi’s career, including one which has three stars to mark Argentina’s World Cup triumphs and another with the number ’91’ to mark his record goals tally in a calendar year.
One of the photos released by Adidas depicts Messi paying tribute to NBA legend Bill Russell.
Lionel Messi has been gifted eight golden rings by Adidas to mark his eighth Ballon d’Or
Messi was named as the winner of the prestigious award at a ceremony in Paris on Monday
Each of the golden rings represent a memorable moment from the Argentinian star’s career
In a memorable 1996 photo shoot, Russell, an 11-time NBA championship winner, struck a similar posture, which Messi is seen replicating by holding his hands between his face while wearing the eight rings.
Erling Haaland of Man City defeated the Argentine, who is regarded as one of the all-time greats, to win the Ballon d’Or this year.
It followed another fantastic campaign from Messi, who in December led his nation to World Cup victory in Qatar.
Before moving to the MLS to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami, he helped PSG win the Ligue 1 title with an incredible 32 goals in 55 games across all competitions.
At the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, Beckham gave him the much-coveted prize, and the audience gave him a standing ovation.
Messi remarked, “It’s good to be here again and to enjoy this moment.” “To be able to fulfill my dream and win the World Cup.”
“It’s very special to say he’s a Miami player and he’s in our city,” Beckham remarked in reference to Messi. He’ll celebrate in his own manner with his family and fellow teammates.
We’ll try our hardest to enjoy it in true Miami style. We can throw a great celebration, I’m sure.
Defying formidable opposition, the four-time Champions League victor secured the top spot, followed by Haaland in second, Kylian Mbappe in third, and Kevin De Bruyne in fourth.
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The eight rings are made from 14-carat gold and are expected to be auctioned off for charity
Inter Miami’s Messi won his record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or yesterday evening
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham presented Messi with his award in Paris on Monday night
The four-time Champions League winner arrived at the event alongside his family
Erling Haaland came second in the rankings after his excellent season helping Man City win the treble
At the ceremony, the 36-year-old was asked if he was the greatest football player in history. He responded, “As I always said, I do not know if I am the best player in history or not.”
“This is a wonderful thing if I am among the best.”
Messi also posted on Instagram, saying, “I only have words of gratitude for my family, who was by my side no matter what, and for all the people around the world who supported me so much during my career and to whom I want to specially dedicate this award.”
“I would also like to share this Ballon d’Or with my fellow technical body, the employees.” Since winning the World Cup would not have been possible without the accomplishments we made together. Many thanks and congratulations to all of the winners!
During his victory speech, he also wished a happy birthday to the late Argentine star Diego Maradona, who passed away in 2020 after suffering a deadly heart attack.
Given that Maradona was, barring Messi, the most famous soccer player to be born in Argentina, the 36-year-old was aware that his idol had received the trophy on his 63rd birthday.
This is for you too, wherever you may be. “Happy birthday, Diego,” Messi added, drawing a heartfelt round of applause from the audience.
When Messi accepted the prize, his wife Antonela and their three sons—Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro—joined him on stage.