Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi has made history by winning the Ballon d'Or for a record eighth time, as reported by ESPN.com. The 36-year-old Argentine becomes the first player based in Major League Soccer (MLS) to claim this prestigious award. Messi's remarkable achievement is attributed to his outstanding performances in leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup last year.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony, held in Paris, saw former Manchester United player and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham present Messi with the coveted prize. Despite stiff competition from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Messi emerged victorious. Haaland, who scored an impressive 52 goals last season as City clinched the Treble in 2022-23, secured second place in the voting and was awarded the Gerd Muller Trophy for the best striker of the year.

Expressing his gratitude after receiving the award, Messi stated, "I couldn't imagine having the career that I've had. Everything that I've achieved... the fortune I've had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It's nice to win these individual trophies." He further added, "To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing. All of them [Ballon d'Or awards] are special for different reasons."

In addition to Messi's triumph, Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí secured the Ballon d'Or Féminin after an extraordinary year with her club and country. Bonmatí played a pivotal role in helping Barcelona win the Liga F and the Champions League last season, before leading Spain to World Cup glory in the summer.

The ceremony also recognized other outstanding players. Messi's Argentina teammate Emiliano Martinez was presented with the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, while England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham received the Kopa Trophy as the world's top player under the age of 21.

During his acceptance speech, Messi paid homage to his compatriot Diego Maradona, mentioning that it was Maradona's birthday. Maradona, the 1986 World Cup winner, passed away on November 22, 2020, but Messi wished him a happy birthday, stating, "Wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. This goes also to you."

Before the award ceremony, no player had won the Ballon d'Or more times than Messi. He previously claimed the prestigious title in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021. Ronaldo closely follows Messi with five wins, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten have each won the award three times.

Although Messi moved to Inter Miami earlier this year, his eighth Ballon d'Or win predominantly recognizes his exceptional performance at the World Cup in Qatar. Argentina's victory marked their third time as world champions and ended a 36-year wait. Messi played a crucial role as he scored seven goals and provided three assists, earning him the title of Player of the Tournament. His notable contributions included scoring twice in the final and once during the penalty shootout against France, culminating in a thrilling victory for Lionel Scaloni's team.

At 36 years and four months old, Messi now becomes the second-oldest player to ever win the Ballon d'Or, surpassing last year's winner Karim Benzema. The only player who was older when awarded the trophy was Stanley Matthews in 1956, who received it at the age of 41.

Prior to his move to Inter Miami, Messi clinched his first six Ballons d'Or while playing for Barcelona, where he cemented his status as the club's all-time leading goalscorer and appearance holder. He secured his seventh Ballon d'Or shortly after joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 following Argentina's Copa America triumph.

Lionel Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or win is a testament to his unmatched skill, longevity, and incessant pursuit of excellence. The coveted trophy adds another gleaming achievement to his already illustrious career and solidifies his place among the greatest footballers of all time.