Lionel Messi’s Museum is the sole structure in Barcelona dedicated to a player!
The Barcelona Museum is now home to Lionel Messi’s 8th Ballon d’Or. (Image via EuroSport)
In a heartwarming gesture, the Argentine superstar has generously donated his eighth Ballon d’Or title to be showcased at the Barcelona museum. Messi clinched his historic eighth award after leading his national team to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar.
The 36-year-old forward secured the Ballon d’Or in October 2023, adding to his collection of eight awards since his initial win in 2009. In a tightly contested competition, he triumphed over formidable opponents to claim this prestigious accolade. The former Barcelona player has graciously bestowed the Ballon d’Or to be exhibited at the FC Barcelona museum, where it will join his other seven trophies currently on display.
Sports journalist Miquel Blazquez first broke the news, and subsequent video footage confirmed the presence of the 2023 Ballon d’Or trophy alongside Messi’s other achievements. Among them are his two Golden Ball awards earned after the 2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. It has been reported that Lionel Messi’s residence lacks sufficient space to showcase his extensive collection of record-breaking trophies, prompting this decision from the player.
Lionel Messi has gifted his 8th Ballon d’Or to the museum in Barcelona, despite not playing for the club during the season in which he earned the award. He wanted it to be among the other 7 Ballon d’Ors already housed in Barcelona’s museum. [@BlazquezFont] pic.twitter.com/xNcMmKm4kh
Most of the honors bestowed upon the former Barcelona star are currently housed in a dedicated section at the museum, which was established in 2016. Messi had previously expressed his intention to keep all his possessions at the club’s museum, and this arrangement will continue in the future.
Lionel Messi, the Argentine star and 2022 World Cup winner, is anticipated to achieve significant success this season with MLS team Inter Miami. This marks the 36-year-old’s first full season with the club, having joined in July 2023.
In addition to Messi, Inter Miami also features other former Barcelona players, including , , and . The club is set to commence the new MLS campaign on Wednesday. There are high expectations for the Argentine star to bring triumph to his team and generate greater interest in the league. As an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi had previously led Miami to victory in the Leagues Cup, resulting in increased fan enthusiasm and stadium attendance.
Messi and his teammates face a challenging season ahead as they compete in the MLS and the regional CONCACAF Champions Cup. Additionally, they aim to defend their Leagues Cup title against formidable North American opponents.
According to the Source firstsportz.com