Lionel Messi: Inter Miami Stars Sign Autographs for Ballon d’Or Winner After Resuming Training

• Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d'Or in Paris on Monday night
• He resumed Inter Miami training barely 24 hours after the event
• His club teammates signed autographs on a big number 8 for him

Lionel Messi was well received by his Inter Miami teammates after returning to training, barely 24 hours after winning his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or in Paris.

The Argentine picked up the award, beating competition from next-generation superstars Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, in what could be his final award before retiring.

Though very controversial, Messi's exploits to win the only trophy eluding his career - the FIFA World Cup - cannot be overemphasised in handing him the most Golden Balls.

Per SportBible, he became the first player outside Europe to win the award and the first to win it with all three clubs he played for - Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami.

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Inter Miami teammates celebrate Messi

The Argentina captain flew to Paris in the company of his wife and kids, club owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas, and his bodyguard Yassine Chueko.

After picking up his award, he immediately returned to Miami and resumed club training the following morning, where his teammates hosted a little party at Fort Lauderdale to celebrate him.

As seen in a video shared on social media by Inter Miami, they welcomed the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner with applause and confetti, after which they signed autographs on a number 8 for him.

Spotted during the signing were his former Barcelona teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, before goalkeeper, Drake Callender presented the final piece.

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Suarez challenges Messi for 9th Ballon d'Or

Sports Brief has also reported on former teammate and friend, Luis Suarez challenging Messi to win his ninth Ballon d'Or and not stop at eight.

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Suarez commented on Messi's post on Instagram, celebrating his achievements and cheekily asked him to go for more as he deserves that.

Messi dedicates Ballon d'Or to Maradona

Sports Brief also reported on Messi dedicating his award to Diego Maradona after picking up his eighth Ballon d'Or the football legend's posthumous birthday.

The Argentine icon passed away three years ago and did not witness his country winning another FIFA World Cup after helping them win it in 1986 in Mexico.