Messi wins record eighth Ballon d'Or

Argentina captain Lionel Messi won a record eighth Ballon d'Or for the best player in the world on Monday, beating Norway's UEFA player of the year and treble winner Erling Haaland of Manchester City to the prestigious prize.

Inter Miami's Messi, who last won the award in 2021, played a pivotal role in guiding Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years when they beat defending champions France in the final last year.

The 36-year-old is now three Ballons d'Or clear of rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the last of his five trophies in 2017. Messi has now finished among the top three a record 14 times in total, finishing runner-up on five occasions.

"I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had. Everything that I’ve achieved. The fortune I’ve had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It’s nice to win these individual trophies. To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing," Messi said.

Earlier, Messi's World Cup-winning teammate Emiliano Martinez won the Lev Yashin award for the world's best goalkeeper.

Spain's Women's World Cup winner and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the women's Ballon d'Or.

Manchester City won the men’s Club of the Year award while FC Barcelona Femeni won the women's award.

Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy for the best Under-21 player, while club teammate Vinicius Jr. was awarded the Socrates Award for his humanitarian work off the pitch.