Lionel Messi wins record extending eight Ballon d’Or

Inter Miami and Argentina captain Lionel Messi has won the men’s Ballon d’Or for a record eighth time, France Football has announced.

The 36-year-old scored twice in the final as Argentina saw off France to win the World Cup for the first time in his illustrious career.

Messi has since moved to Inter Miami having left Paris St Germain at the end of last season – but it was his imperious form for his country in Qatar which saw him crowned once again.

He beat Manchester City striker Erling Haaland into second place with France forward Kylian Mbappe – just the second man to score a World Cup final hat-trick – third.

Messi beat Manchester City’s hot-shot striker Erling Haaland into second place for the men’s award on a night where Pep Guardiola’s treble winners were well-represented.

Kylian Mbappe – just the second man to score a World Cup final hat-trick – was third after starring in France’s run to the final.

Kevin De Bruyne finished fourth while Rodri came fifth, Julian Alvarez – also a team-mate of Messi at international level – was seventh, and Bernardo Silva was ninth as City players dominated the top 10.

Messi was presented with the award by David Beckham, owner of Inter Miami and runner-up in the 1999 Ballon d’Or, and was in a reflective mood.

“I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had,” he said.

“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.”

City were also crowned the men’s team of the season after winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup last term.

Haaland’s fine season saw him win the Gerd Muller Trophy for the world’s top-scoring striker after hitting a record 56 goals last season.

Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the Lev Yashin Trophy for goalkeeper of the year after his starring role in his nation’s World Cup win.