Updates for the Ballon d’Or Awards: Messi and Bonmati announced as winners.

That concludes our evening, except for a final announcement of the winners: Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Emi Martinez, Erling Haaland, Barcelona Femenin, Manchester City…and last but not least, Aitana Bonmati and Lionel Messi.

Congratulations to each!

Full report:

Jude Bellingham, upon receiving the Kopa Trophy, stated:

I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have aided me in reaching this stage – from Birmingham to Dortmund, and now Real Madrid and the national team.

“Thank you for the encouragement, it is greatly appreciated – and there is more to come.”

The Ballon d’Or committee is strongly emphasizing the use of the number 8 and the infinity symbol. Is it supposed to be pronounced as “M8ssi”? I’m not fully convinced, sorry.

However, it is undeniable that the votes have been consistently strong. From 2009 to 2012, there were four consecutive wins, followed by only one win in the next six years. Yet, the votes bounced back with three more wins in the following five editions, even with one of them being cancelled. Overall, this is quite impressive.

Messi predicts that Haaland and Mbappe will eventually be awarded the Ballon d’Or. While it is likely that they will achieve this, it’s worth noting that he has made similar predictions about Neymar in the past. Only time will tell, as always.

In any other year, Erling Haaland’s accomplishments and achievements might have earned him the award. However, since Messi’s success in winning the World Cup in Qatar, it is safe to say that he deserved it.

Messi is of course an Inter Miami player now – one of the owners being David Beckham, who just gave him the prize.

Beckham expresses that having a Miami player in their city is a significant occurrence. As the player has stated, he will celebrate with his teammates and his incredible family, as well as back in Argentina.

He will try his hardest to commemorate it in his own style and we will do our best to celebrate it in a Miami-esque manner!

Messi invites his three sons to join in the festivities on stage! What a thoughtful gesture.

After receiving his most recent accolade, Messi continues to talk.

“I never could have imagined the successful career I have had. I am grateful for the opportunities that led me to play for the top team in the world, arguably the best team in history. This has made it easier for me to win championships and personal accolades. Winning the Copa America and then the World Cup, especially after facing challenges with the national team, was an incredible achievement.”

Messi expresses gratitude towards his teammates, extends congratulations to the other nominees, and expresses pride in receiving his eighth Ballon d’Or.

Messi remarks that although the players may vary, the quality never decreases during his long tenure on the stage.

“It was a dream come true to win the World Cup, and it was truly heartwarming to see people from other countries rooting for Argentina.”

David Beckham is presenting the Ballon d’Or to the male recipient.

Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland are all contenders. The ultimate victor is:

Lionel Messi! AGAIN!