The Ballon d’Or no longer interests Me — Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has seen it all and won it all, and right now, the Inter Miami forward could care very little about a Ballon d’Or prize this year, when quizzed about claiming an 8th record title in the golden ball awards.

The Argentine star showed the world one last time his legendary status in the game by leading his country into the 2023 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar to a glorious win against France in the final.

Despite a less than impressive season with French Ligue 1 club, Paris Saint-Germain in the aftermath of the World Cup, Lionel Messi has been mentioned once more in the topic of a Ballon d’Or title.

In a press conference ahead of Saturday’s Leagues Cup final against Nashville SC, the 36-year-old  addressed the Ballon d’Or situation to the MLS media reporters.

Lionel Messi pointed out that he has won everything in football, including the Ballon d’Or titles on different occasions, but right now, the award no longer factors into his priorities.

According to Messi, the World Cup title win with Argentina was his satisfaction, and winning an 8th Ballon d’Or title, though a great accomplishment, is no longer his obsession.

“I think I have said it many times during my career: the Ballon d’Or is a very important award because of what it means,” Messi said.

“I was lucky enough to win everything in my career, and the World Cup was what I was missing. That’s why now, after Qatar, I’m thinking much less about that award.

“Now I’m enjoying my moment. I’m not thinking about the Ballon d’Or. If it comes, fine; and if not, I am satisfied that I have achieved my objectives and…. now I have others with this club. We came here for this, to help the club win titles and on a personal level I’m also thinking about that,” he added.