Lionel Messi honored by Argentina FA before World Cup qualifier against Uruguay for winning his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or
- Messi won the Ballon d’Or at the end of October after a successful season
- He plays these two qualifying matches for Argentina and then gets rest
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Just before a World Cup qualifier against rivals Uruguay, Lionel Messi was recognized by the Argentine FA for his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or award.
Messi stepped onto the pitch at La Bombonera to the cheers of rabid fans ready to watch the reigning World Cup champions try to qualify for the 2026 tournament.
He was met by Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia and Boca Juniors vice-president and former teammate Juan Roman Riquelme.
After greeting them both, Messi received a plaque in a box with a photo of himself holding the Ballon d’Or.
It has been an exciting 2023 season for Messi, which will end after these World Cup qualifiers.
Lionel Messi was honored ahead of Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay
Messi was greeted by former Argentina teammate Juan Roman Riquelme
Messi will play the last two games of his 2023 after a hectic and busy calendar year
After leaving the high of winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar behind him, Messi immediately returned to playing for his club Paris Saint-Germain.
He won the league with the Parisiens despite a tumultuous relationship with PSG supporters – upset after the club were eliminated from the Coupe de France and the Champions League.
Messi’s contract expired in the summer and after considering his future options, he opted to move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
His decision was immediately rewarded with a Leagues Cup title in the summer, but fell in the US Open Cup final and missed the MLS Cup playoffs.