Lionel Messi will have his eighth Ballon d’Or presented by a fellow legend of the game.
In an X post on October 27th, via L’Equipe, Fabrizio Romano reported that former Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba will present Messi with his historic eighth Ballon d’Or.
The ceremony will take place in Paris on October 30th, with Messi and his family traveling to the French capital in the next few days to accept the award.
With his eighth Ballon d’Or win imminent, the Argentine will become the only player in Major League Soccer history to win the award as an active player in the league. Additionally, the ex-Barcelona captain will become the most decorated Ballon d’Or winner of all time.
Inter Miami ended the season on a low note, failing to make the playoffs despite winning its first trophy in club history in the summer. Messi managed to finish the year with 14 G/A in all competitions.
Messi’s historic year for Argentina and Inter Miami
While his time at Inter Miami may have been short, Messi’s impact has been felt. His achievements with the Herons may not have counted towards Ballon d’Or voting, but it certainly added to his case.
The 36-year-old single-handedly carried Miami to the Leagues Cup title, while also getting them within touching distance of the US Open Cup win.
As the team shifts focus to 2024, Messi will be the building block for the club’s future success. Winning the Ballon d’Or will give the Argentine extra motivation to help add more silverware to Inter Miami’s trophy cabinet.
Messi has expressed that in the past he doesn’t pay much attention to individual awards. But 2023’s Ballon d’Or, as well as December’s World Cup win with Argentina, seems a fitting way to cap off an incredible European career.