Lionel Messi 8th Celebration at Inter Miami Exhibition Match Lionel Messi held the Ball above his head as fireworks lit up the sky to end the pre-match ceremony. And with that, Inter Miami had to celebrate the game and the best player one more time in 2023. Messi was on the pitch with his Major League Soccer club on Friday night in a friendly against New York City FC. to celebrate his eighth Ballon d'Or award - given annually to the game's best player - at a black-tie ceremony in Paris last month. No other player has won the award more than five times. Messi, carrying the trophy in his left hand, walked onto the golden carpet at midfield, where among them MLS commissioner Don Garber awaited his arrival for a brief pregame ceremony. He hugged Garber, Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas, then raised the trophy to the crowd. "It's great to share this with all of you," Messi said. "I've been here a long time, but it seems like a long time." ...