Lionel Messi won the eighth Ballon d’Or of his remarkable career, while Spain’s World Cup-winning star Aitana Bonmati took the women’s prize at a glittering ceremony in Paris.
It was a return to the French capital after he departed from Paris Saint-Germain in June and his subsequent move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Messi thanked his Argentina coach, teammates and staff for making his victory possible.
“Tonight I’m enjoying myself. It’s a pleasure that will never leave me, and I hope to be able to enjoy it for many years to come,” Messi said through a translator.
“Becoming world champion was the title we were missing. I’d like to thank everyone who helped make Argentina the world champion team.”
The women’s prize seemed even more clear cut, as Bonmati was rewarded for starring as Spain won the Women’s World Cup in Australia in August.
The 25-year-old midfielder was named the best player at the Women’s World Cup as the Spanish team overcame off-field turbulence, including protests against their national federation and coach Jorge Vilda, to lift the trophy.
