Ballon D’or Speech: Messi Pays Tribute To Maradona On Posthumous Birthday 

Argentina talisman Lionel Messi dedicated his record eighth Ballon d’Or award to Diego Maradona on what would have been the Argentine legend’s 63rd birthday.

Messi’s record-tying seventh Ballon d’Or victory on Monday solidified his status as the greatest player of all time. In November 2020, Maradona passed gone, yet the World Cup champion chose to pay tribute to him during his acceptance speech.

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“Today I wanted to mention Diego [Maradona],” the 36-year-old said. “There’s no better place to wish him happy birthday than here, around many people loving football, as he wanted.

“Wherever you are, Diego… happy birthday. This [award] also goes to you.”

Following his captaincy of Argentina to World Cup victory in December, Messi was awarded the world’s finest male player. The final time La Albiceleste won the competition was in 1986, with Maradona serving as captain. Messi won the Ballon d’Or trophy ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

Messi acknowledged in his acceptance speech that he had no idea how long he would play. We do know that he will continue to captain his nation and play for Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer in 2024.