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Messi named Ballon d'Or winner for eighth time

Argentina's World Cup winning captin Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d'Or for an eighth time.

The 36-year-old Inter Miami was named the winner at the ceremony in Paris after helping his country win the World Cup in Qatar last year.

England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy for the world's best player aged under 21.

Messi won ahead of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and third-place Kylian Mbappe of PSG.

"It's nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment," Messi said. "To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream."

The former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain star added: "I couldn't imagine having the career I've had and everything I've achieved, the fortune I've had to be part of the best team in history.

"All of them [Ballon d'Or awards] are special for different reasons."

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