Video: Inter Miami players give Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi heroic welcome

Lionel Messi received a heartwarming welcome from his Inter Miami teammates following his return from Paris after winning his eight Ballon d'Or title.

The Argentina star beat off competition from Manchester City forward Erling Haaland and former Paris Saint-Germain teammate, Kylian Mbappe, to win the 2023 award.

Messi's inspiring role in leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup gave him the edge over his rivals at the ceremony at the Theatre du Chatete.

In a video shared on social media, Messi was welcomed by his teammates with a beautifully carved placard of eight, with the signatures of the players.

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— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 31, 2023

"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. To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing," Messi said, as quoted by rueters.com.

"All of them (Ballon d'Or awards) are special for different reasons," he added.
Messi joined Inter Miami in the summer transfer window after leaving French giants PSG.

He led the Miami-based club the Leagues Cup success but the club failed to make the play-offs of the Major League Soccer in 2023.