• Source:JND
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Lionel Messi's dominance at the pinnacle event continues as the Argentine striker clinched his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or title at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris in the early hours of Tuesday. Messi's splendid run in last year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar played a pivotal role in his nomination for the prestigious award.

The 36-year-old overshadowed Norway's Erling Haaland, France's Kylian Mbappe and Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne to win the title. In his acceptance speech, Messi called it 'more special' as it came after his World Cup triumph.

"The last one I won was also thanks to what we achieved with the Argentine national team in the Copa America (in 2021), but this one is much more special because it comes after we won the World Cup," AFP quoted Messi as saying after collecting his award at a ceremony in Paris.

"That is the trophy everyone wants to win the most, and it was a dream come true for me, my teammates and my country."

In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Messi netted seven goals for Argentina including a brace in the final against France at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. He won the Player of the Tournament award as Argentina beat France on penalties.

However, Messi, who took home the Ballon d'Or in 2009, also had a lackluster last season with Paris Saint-Germain before departing to play Major League Soccer for Inter Miami.

He downplayed rumors that he may return for another Ballon d'Or, perhaps following the 2026 World Cup at the age of 39.

"I am not thinking about the long-term future. I am just enjoying the day to day at the moment," he said.

"We have a Copa America coming up in the United States, where I am now, in which we are the holders, so I am looking forward to coming into that in good shape and then just see how I am getting on from there."

The World Cup was the only major trophy missing from Messi's resume as Argentina made amends for losing the 2014 final to Germany while in March he became only the third player in history to score 100 international goals.

Messi also won the Ligue 1 title with Paris St Germain before moving to Inter Miami, where he helped the Major League Soccer side win the Leagues Cup -- their first major trophy.

(With inputs from agencies)