Argentina icon Lionel Messi wins record eighth Ballon d'Or

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player was presented with the coveted award at a ceremony in Paris.

Messi's perceived career rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, now with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has won the Ballon d'Or five times in his career.

Argentina, captained by Messi, won the FIFA World Cup in Qatar earlier this year - their first title since 1986; and third in total.

"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.

"All of them (Ballon d'Or awards) are special for different reasons," he added.

Messi beat Man City striker Erling Haaland and PSG's Kylian Mbappe to claim the biggest individual honour in football once more.

On the women's side, the Ballon d'Or Feminin was won by Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati (25).

This year represents the fifth iteration of the women's award. Bonmati's first, teammate Alexia Putellas has picked it up twice in her career.

"It's an individual trophy but it can't exist without a team," she told reporters.

At the expense of England, La Roja claimed the Women's World Cup in Sydney earlier this year - their first title.

Bonmati becomes the first player to win all three of the World Cup Golden Ball, UEFA Women’s Player of the Year award and Ballon d'Or Feminin.

Among the other winners, Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez received the Yashin Trophy.

More to follow.