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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Karl Matchett

Lionel Messi wins record eighth Ballon d’Or as Aitana Bonmati and Jude Bellingham also pick up awards

Lionel Messi Aitana Bonmati Jude Bellingham Kylian Mbappe Didier Drogba Erling Haaland Vinicius Jr England Spain FC Barcelona
AFP via Getty Images

Lionel Messi is celebrating after being named Ballon d’Or winner for the eighth time, extending his own record for being named the planet’s best player.

Now with Inter Miami in MLS, the 36-year-old had been seen as overwhelming favourite to claim another golden prize following Argentina’s World Cup win in Qatar at the end of last year.

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