Lionel Messi was celebrated by his Inter Miami teammates on October 31, 2023, less than 24 hours after he won the Ballon d’Or.
Messi took home the award for the 8th time in his stellar career, achieving an unprecedented feat in the history of football.
Lionel Messi became the first footballer playing outside of Europe to win the Ballon d’Or, and he was also handed the award by co-owner of Inter Miami, David Beckham.
The 36-year-old capped up an impressive year with the prestigious individual honor, having led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory in Qatar.
Lionel Messi celebrated by Inter Miami after clinching 8th Ballon d’Or award
Messi received an amazing welcome from his teammates, who congratulated him for making history in Paris.
Players and coaches of Inter Miami took a group picture with the Argentine star, and a guard of honor was also made for him by his teammates.
In footage which was shared by Inter Miami on their socials, Messi’s teammates could be seen signing on a cut-out with the number 8 shape.
The Herons couldn’t qualify for the MLS playoffs, as they didn’t end the 2023 regular season in the first 9 positions in the Eastern Conference.
However, Lionel Messi has had a monstrous impact on the club, since joining on July 15, 2023, on a free transfer.
Following 2 seasons at Paris Saint Germain, his contract expired at the end of the 2022/23 season, and he sought a fresh challenge in America.
The Argentine at Inter Miami
Less than a month after signing for Inter Miami, Messi was instrumental to the club which won their first trophy ever, as they won the Leagues Cup on August 20, 2023, defeating Nashville in the final.
Tata Martino’s side had to go the entire 9 yards in order to win the trophy, winning 10-9 on penalties, after playing out a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Additionally, Lionel Messi also put the club on the map, as their following on social media and every nuke and cranny sprang up astronomically.
The 36-year-old has also further brought the attention of the world to the club, after winning the Ballon d’Or title whilst playing outside of Europe and particularly for Inter Miami.
The Miami-based club were founded in 2018, and the addition of Messi has been great for the club and in general, Major League Soccer.
The Herons finished 14th in the Eastern Conference, an abridged division that houses 15 teams.
Lionel Messi is preparing for the 2024 Major League Soccer season, and they will be hoping that Lionel Messi can lead them to success in the coming season.
He will be ably assisted by teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Leonardo Campana, and other sublime names.
The Argentine scored 5 goals and provided 11 assists in 14 appearances in all competitions for Inter Miami during the previous season.
