Ballon d'Or 2023: Lionel Messi reflects on achieving 'dream' of World Cup win after winning award for eighth time
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Published 30/10/2023 at 23:37 GMT
Inter Miami and Argentina forward Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d'Or award at the 2023 edition in Paris, France, on Monday evening. Speaking to an audience of his peers, he said that winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Argentina fulfilled a huge ambition, and also reflected on his future, saying: "As long as I am fit physically and can compete, I am going to keep doing it [playing]."
Lionel Messi
Image credit: Getty Images
Lionel Messi looked ahead to his remaining years on the pitch after his eighth Ballon d’Or win, and said he had achieved “my dream” in 2022.
Messi had failed to match his Barcelona heights with Paris Saint-Germain but he was reinvigorated for Argentina at Qatar last year for the World Cup.
In what was possibly his last appearance at a World Cup tournament, Messi was one of the best players of the tournament and led his country to a famous triumph in Qatar, as Argentina defeated France on penalties.
Speaking on stage after he was presented with his award, he said: “I’m delighted to be here once more, to be able to enjoy this moment one more time. To be able to win the World Cup and really achieve my dream, I want to share this with all those who were involved.”
He was asked if this award was special, and he replied: “They’re all special these awards, the most special is the team prizes. It’s always special to be recognised.
“I couldn’t have dreamed of having the career that I had, everything I’ve achieved. To have the success, the fortune I’ve had. The best team in the world, the best team in history, makes it so much easier to win so many titles, to win these individual prizes. To win the Copa America and then to get the World Cup, after so many difficult moments in the national team.”
Messi is now enjoying a post-season break after Inter Miami’s season in MLS came to an end, and he discussed how his life in the United States.
He continued: “I’m very happy to be at Inter Miami and find myself in the situation I’m in. I’m enjoying some different moments in life with my family.
“Being a world champion was fantastic. I feel so calm right now with this prize. To be able to have the career I’ve had, and enjoy football as much as I have.
Of his future, he added:
"I don’t know how much longer I’ll be going for, but I’m inclined to enjoy it. I've been saying it a lot lately, I want to keep enjoying [it]. I don't how long [I will keep playing], as long as I am fit physically and can compete, I am going to keep doing it.
"I can’t put a number on anything because football changes so much from day to day. I wish it would be for a long time because it is what I know and love to do. So, I wish to keep going".
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