Lionel Messi Donates Eighth Ballon d’Or To Barcelona Museum

Lionel Messi has donated his eighth Ballon d’Or to the Barcelona museum, despite collecting that award during his first season at Inter Miami.

The Argentine legend broke away from the La Liga powerhouses in 2021, choosing instead to sign a free agency contract with Paris Saint-Germain. Messi chose to pursue his American dream in Major League Soccer (MLS) last summer after spending two seasons in France.

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An eighth Golden Ball was given to him in 2023 after he led Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022. In addition, Messi led Inter Miami to League Cup victory, giving him the most decorated player of all time with 44 major awards.

Messi needs Barcelona’s assistance in that area because he does not have enough room at home to showcase his incredible trophy collection. The Catalan club’s official museum presently holds seven of his Ballons d’Or, and E-Noticies has learned that number eight is on its way.

Messi has previously said: “Everything I own is in Barcelona, there at the museum. Ballons d’Or, Golden Boots, everything.” That will remain the case despite now plying his trade in the United States, with it impossible for emotional and professional ties with the Blaugrana to be severed.