Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Inter Miami Celebrate Lionel Messi's 8Th Ballon D'or

POSTED ON November 10, 2023 •   Football      BY Lawrence Omoge

Friday night was a celebration for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.

The MLS club honored the Argentinian soccer legend and club captain at DRV PNK Stadium.

Inter Miami hosted a friendly match, and prior to kickoff, Lionel Messi brought out a record-setting eighth Ballon d'Or as part of a pregame ceremony.

On a gold carpet put out across the field, Messi walked to midfield while holding the trophy in his left hand.

Don Garber, commissioner of Major League Soccer, was among those waiting for him at a pregame ceremony.

"It's beautiful to share it with you all," Messi said. "I've been here for a short time, but it seems like a long time."

https://twitter.com/InterMiamiCF/status/1723152490286236152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1723152490286236152%7Ctwgr%5E14f24406954faf7a5f9ad49d5bfa45a30985bd3c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com%2Fsoccer%2Fstory%2F_%2Fid%2F38865938%2Flionel-messi-8th-ballon-dor-trophy-celebrated-inter-miami-exhibition-match
Messi walks in with his 8th Ballon d'Or award.

Messi won the award two weeks ago, beating out 23-year-old Erling Haaland and 24-year-old Kylian Mbappe.

Messi walked out to midfield, toting the trophy following a speech from club owner Jorge Mas.

Messi then gave a speech of his own to the fans in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

He gave thanks to the club and supporters, and mentioned that he has "no doubts" that next year will be better than 2023.

Lionel Messi appreciates Inter Miami and the fans
Messi went on to thank his club, Inter Miami and the supporters. | Credit: MARCA

New York City FC spoil the fun

Although the evening got off to a great start, Messi's night was ruined by Inter Miami's lack of effort on the pitch.

In the first half, Messi had a few good opportunities to score but failed to capitalize, and New York scored first in the 43rd minute.

In the 48th minute of the second half, fellow Argentinian Julian Fernandez immediately doubled NYCFC's advantage.

Robbie Robinson, who came on as a substitute in the second half and scored a goal, wasn't able to save the loss.

With no more games remaining to play in 2018, Inter Miami is taking a break. Meanwhile, Messi will immediately report to Ezeiza for national team training.

In the upcoming CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying round, they will be up against Uruguay and Brazil.

READ ALSO
Atlético de Madrid Secures First Win in FIFA Club World Cup with 3-1 Victory
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 20, 2025 0

Spanish football giant, Atlético de Madrid, has secured their first three points of the Feder...

READ ALSO
Messi Scores 50th Goal for Inter Miami in Historic Club World Cup Victory
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 20, 2025 0

Argentine forward, Lionel Messi, scored his 50th goal for the United State football club, Inter Miam...

READ ALSO
Finidi George Leads Rivers United into 2025/26 Season Training Camp
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

Rivers United's coach, Finidi George, has motivated his players as the Port Harcourt-based team kick...

READ ALSO
Moses Simon Completes Move to Paris FC for €7 Million
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

As reported by French news source Foot Mercato, Paris FC, a newly-promoted team in French Ligue 1, h...

READ ALSO
Osimhen's Impressive Loan Spell Fuels Transfer Speculation
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

Nigerian international Victor Osimhen remains at the center of significant transfer rumors, with Ita...

READ ALSO
Samuel Chukwueze Faces Uncertain Future at AC Milan Amid Transfer Speculation
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 18, 2025 0

The winger for the Super Eagles,Samuel Chukwueze,finds himself in a precarious position at AC Milan...

READ ALSO
Tottenham Hotspur Eyes Raphael Onyedika as Summer Transfer Target
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 18, 2025 0

Tottenham Hotspur is in the running to acquire midfielder Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge, heighte...

READ ALSO
Dele-Bashiru Set for Role Change Under Lazio's Maurizio Sarri
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 18, 2025 0

Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru may be poised for a change in his role under manager Mau...

OUR CHANNELS:

Tanzania,  Nigeria Lead Africa in Rising Fraud Rates- Report
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 21, 2025 0

Tanzania and Nigeria have emerged as the leading countries in Africa for higher fraud rates, accordi...


Osun Raises Alarm Over Alleged Fund Diversion by CBN and AGF
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 21, 2025 0

OSUN, Nigeria - The Osun State Government has expressed concern about a purported attempt by the Cen...


Nigeria Police Link Schoolgirl Cannabis Clip to Zimbabwe
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 21, 2025 0

The Nigeria Police Force has addressed a widely circulated video on WhatsApp and social media, which...


Tinubu to Launch Multiple Development Projects Today in Kaduna
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 21, 2025 0

KADUNA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu is anticipated to arrive in Kaduna State today for the inaug...


Tinubu Assembles High-Level Committee After Benue Tragedy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 21, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu announced the formation of a committee on Wednesday aimed at restoring sustain...


Finidi George Leads Rivers United into 2025/26 Season Training Camp
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 21, 2025 0

Rivers United's coach, Finidi George, has motivated his players as the Port Harcourt-based team kick...


Moses Simon Completes Move to Paris FC for €7 Million
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

As reported by French news source Foot Mercato, Paris FC, a newly-promoted team in French Ligue 1, h...


Osimhen's Impressive Loan Spell Fuels Transfer Speculation
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 21, 2025 0

Nigerian international Victor Osimhen remains at the center of significant transfer rumors, with Ita...


NDLEA Calls for Collective Action Against Drug Abuse in Nigeria
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 21, 2025 0

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has urged Nigerians and state governments to take r...


Tor Tiv Urges President Tinubu to Foster Lasting Peace in Benue State
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, expressed that President Bola Tinubu has the ability to bring lasti...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu