Why Lionel Messi Donated His 8th Ballon d'Or To Barcelona Museum?

A teary-eyed Lionel Messi bidding adieu to Barcelona remains one of the most tragic incidents in football history. It happened in 2021 when the LaLiga giants failed to re-sign Messi due to financial struggle. The Argentina legend shifted his base to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the next year, won the much-awaited FIFA World Cup title in Qatar. The historic achievement led the 36-year-old to claim his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or. Despite winning the award as a PSG player, Messi, reportedly, chose to donate it to the Barcelona museum. His heartwarming act was later explained by journalist Miquel Blazquez.

Lionel Messi had spent 17 years at Barcelona since making his senior team debut in 2003. He won all of his first seven Ballon d’Or awards as a Barcelona player. These awards have been displayed in the club museum since 2016 when the club opened a dedicated section for Messi. The rest of his accolades, including the two Golden Boots, can also be found at Camp Nou.

“Although he did not win it (eighth Ballon d’Or) as a Barca footballer, the Argentine star has made the gesture of giving it up so that it can be displayed along with the other seven he has won. It’s impossible not to miss him,” Miquel Blazquez said in 2023, as quoted by the Sportbible.

Lionel Messi extended his gratitude to the entire Argentina squad upon receiving his last Ballon d’Or. “Thank you very much, for sharing this with my national team-mates for what we were able to achieve with the national team. The entire group, the coaching staff, everyone involved. I’m delighted to be able to enjoy this moment one more time,” the Barcelona legend said, as per Sportbible.

Lionel Messi secured the 46th trophy of his career when Inter Miami won the Supporters’ Shield by defeating Columbus in a Major League Soccer (MLS) game on October 3. It also marked Messi’s second title with the Herons. He joined the American club last year and won the Leagues Cup in the same season by beating Nashville on penalties. Having represented Inter Miami 34 times, Messi so far found the back of the net on 30 occasions.