Teary-eyed! Messi still did not forget Maradona's birthday when he received the award, and delivered an emotional speech: This golden ball is also dedicated to you

In the early morning of October 31, Beijing time, the 2023 Ballon d'Or was officially released, and the 36-year-old Argentine superstar Messi was elected for the eighth time in his career, beating competitors such as Haaland, Mbappe and De Bruyne. After winning the award, when Messi took the stage to deliver a speech, he thanked all the supporters and talked about the football king Maradona.

As we all know, October 30 is the birthday of the late Argentine football king. It is touching that Messi has not forgotten this special day. At such a meaningful ceremony as he won the Ballon d'Or for the eighth time, he once again paid tribute to the Argentine predecessor Maradona.

Messi said emotionally: "Here, I want to mention Diego. It doesn't get any better than this, and Fang wishes him a happy birthday – there are a lot of people here who love football, just as he hoped. Wherever you are, happy birthday, Diego! This Golden Globe Award is also dedicated to you! ”

At the Qatar World Cup at the end of last year, Messi led Argentina to win the championship again after 36 years, and I believe that Maradona, who is in heaven, will also see this scene and feel gratified.

In addition, Messi also thanked the fans who have supported him regardless of the peaks and valleys at the award ceremony: "Thank you to everyone who supported us to become a world champion, to receive this award is inseparable from the achievements made in the Argentine national team." I think it's a gift to the whole team, the coaching staff and the people of Argentina at all. ”