Search icon

Football

31st Oct 2023

David Beckham makes promise to Lionel Messi after Ballon d’Or win

Callum Boyle

Beckham Lionel Messi

Beckham presented Messi with the Ballon d’Or award on Monday

David Beckham has promised Lionel Messi that they will celebrate his Ballon d’Or victory with a party.

Messi was presented with an eighth Ballon d’Or award as he beat Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe to the coveted prize.

The Argentine was rewarded for his heroics on the big stage as he scored seven goals and registered three assists to deliver a first World Cup for his country since 1986.

Having made the move to the MLS this summer – joining Beckham’s Inter Miami – Messi made an exhilarating start to life in the US as he won Inter the Leagues Cup title, their first major piece of silverware.

Speaking at the event in Paris, Beckham said: “It’s very special to say he’s a Miami player and he’s in our city.

“He’ll celebrate this with his teammates and his family in his way.

“We’ll do our best to celebrate it in the Miami way. I’m sure we can do a good party.”

Beckham then followed up with a post on Instagram, saying: “Huge honour to present Leo with his eighth Ballon d’Or tonight in Paris. Such a special night for Leo and his family and it was a privilege to be there to celebrate such an incredible achievement, Miami are truly honoured to have the best. Congratulations my friend.”

Messi meanwhile said that each of his Ballon d’Or’s were “special for different reasons”.

“It’s nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment,” he added.

“To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream. 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.”

Related links: