Argentinian Lionel Messi, star of Inter Miami, has contributed to resolving the ongoing financial crisis of his former club Barcelona. According to the global network "Goal," Messi has decided to donate the eighth Ballon d'Or he received a few months ago to the Barça museum. This decision comes despite the fact that Messi did not win the award while playing for the Catalan club.
Messi won the previous seven Ballon d'Or awards thanks to his outstanding performances with Barcelona but was forced to leave "Camp Nou" in 2021 amid the club's financial struggles, joining Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. During his last season in France, Messi won the Ligue 1 title and led Argentina to victory in the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
In the summer of 2023, Messi joined Inter Miami, helping the American team clinch the Leagues Cup. Based on his achievements, Messi received the Ballon d'Or for the eighth time in October, further enhancing his record. Instead of keeping the award or giving it to Paris Saint-Germain, Messi chose to donate it to the Barcelona museum so that it could be displayed alongside the other seven awards.
