Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi Shares Black and White Themed Family Photo After Winning 8th Award

• Lionel Messi picked up his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or on Monday
• The Inter Miami star was at the gala with his wife Antonela and their sons
• Messi shared a first family photo on social media since winning the award

Lionel Messi is relishing his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or award as he shared his first family pictures on Instagram after picking the award in Paris on Monday night.

It is no longer news that he had an edge over his competitors because of his performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he won the only missing silverware from his illustrious career.

Messi edged out major challengers, Manchester City's Erling Haaland and former Paris Saint-Germain teammate, Kylian Mbappe, both of whom were at the ceremony on Monday night.

As reported by Goal, the 36-year-old thinks it is his last Golden Ball prize, leaving the door open for new stars to emerge after he won eight awards in 14 years.

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Messi shares family photo

Family is everything to Messi, as he has said many times during interviews. He was in Paris with his wife, Antonela and sons - Thiago, Mateo and Ciro.

The Argentina captain was styled in matching black pants and suits like his sons: while he had a bow tie and black shoes, the boys had white sneakers to go with theirs, and his wife wore a black half-shoulder gown.

The former Barcelona captain earlier uploaded an appreciation post but has now shared his first family photo on his Instagram page - a black and white themed photo of their outfits to the ceremony.

As spotted by AlbicelesteTalk, he also changed his profile picture on the platform to a photo of him holding his eighth gong, which was previously occupied by an old family photo.

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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.

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 on 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.