Lionel Messi 'wins eighth Ballon d'Or'

Sport has reported that Lionel Messi has won his 8th Ballon d'Or. The Catalan newspaper reported that Messi has been informed of his victory this time around ahead of the ceremony taking place in Paris on Monday, October 30.

Messi, 36, achieved the crowning glory of his unparalleled career when he spectacularly led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar last year.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain megastar then joined Inter Miami in July and immediately set MLS alight with a string of spellbinding performances.

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Messi's imminent triumph will see the Ballon d'Or awarded to someone who plays outside of Europe for the first time in history and take him three clear of eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 36-year-old faced fierce competition from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and ex-PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe but is set to come out on top thanks to his heroics in Qatar.

As for the female award, Sport also reported that Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati will be presented as the winner at the Chatelet Theater, having won the Women's World Cup with Spain after beating England in August's dramatic final.