Lionel Messi wins eighth Ballon d'Or - in pictures

  • Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d'Or award while Aitana Bonmati won her first during the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony. AFP
    Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d'Or award while Aitana Bonmati won her first during the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony. AFP
  • Inter Miami forward Messi on stage with his children and team co-owner David Beckham at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. AFP
    Inter Miami forward Messi on stage with his children and team co-owner David Beckham at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. AFP
  • Messi with his three sons and his Argentina teammates Emiliano Martinez, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez. EPA
    Messi with his three sons and his Argentina teammates Emiliano Martinez, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez. EPA
  • 36-year-old Messi was recognised at the ceremony after helping his country win the World Cup in Qatar last year. AFP
    36-year-old Messi was recognised at the ceremony after helping his country win the World Cup in Qatar last year. AFP
  • The Ballon d'Or recognises the best footballer of the year and is voted for by 100 journalists from around the world. AFP
    The Ballon d'Or recognises the best footballer of the year and is voted for by 100 journalists from around the world. AFP
  • This combination shows Messi with all eight of his Ballon d'Or awards. He won his first in 2009. AFP
    This combination shows Messi with all eight of his Ballon d'Or awards. He won his first in 2009. AFP
  • Messi won ahead of Manchester City forward Erling Haaland and his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe. EPA
    Messi won ahead of Manchester City forward Erling Haaland and his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe. EPA
  • Messi with wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children. AP
    Messi with wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children. AP
  • Messi has now won three more Ballon d'Or awards than anyone else, with Cristiano Ronaldo having won it five times. Reuters
    Messi has now won three more Ballon d'Or awards than anyone else, with Cristiano Ronaldo having won it five times. Reuters
  • Spanish player Alba Redondo takes a selfie with Messi. EPA
    Spanish player Alba Redondo takes a selfie with Messi. EPA
  • Spain and Barcelona midfielder Bonmati, right, poses with her Ballon d'Or award. AFP
    Spain and Barcelona midfielder Bonmati, right, poses with her Ballon d'Or award. AFP