Lionel Messi on Monday sparked rumours about time left for him in the field. The Argentine magnifico who won his eighth Ballon d’Or at a gala ceremony in Paris on Monday hinted that the time to hang up his boots may be fast approaching.
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The Argentine won the Ballon d’Or 2023 on Monday. Erling Haaland of Norway and Kylian Mbappe of France came second and third respectively behind the Argentine great. Messi winning the Ballon d’Or 2023 has been doing rounds on social media months before the actual ceremony. When Messi made his intention clear to leave Paris Saint Germain at the end of summer 2023, many claimed that the Argentina forward was giving a long and hard thought about retiring from Football. However, Messi snubbed multiple offers from Saudi Arabia to sign for David Beckham co-owned Inter Miami of Major League Soccer in a multi-million dollar deal.
Messi’s words
Messi was adjudged the receiver of Ballon d’Or 2023 on Monday. The 36 year-old in a speech afterward said he has no idea how much longer he’ll play professional football.
“I don’t know how much longer I’ll keep playing,” Messi said after receiving the award.
“It is difficult to keep up as football changes so much day by day,” he added.
The hosts of the ceremony then proceeded to call Messi’s children up to the stage. Messi’s three offspring came on stage and Messi handed his Ballon d’Or to his youngest child Mateo who clearly struggled to hold up the heavy trophy.
With his children by his side, Messi then spoke about the gratitude he felt to be able to be on the international stage of football for this long.
“I couldn’t imagine having the career I’ve had and everything I’ve achieved, the fortune I’ve had to be part of the best team in history,” he signed off.
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