Inter Miami striker Lionel Messi refused to take a group photo with Barcelona president Joan Laporta at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. This was reported by COPING.
According to the publication, Laporta wanted to take a group photo with Messi and Barcelona footballer Aitana Bonmati, who won the women’s Ballon d’Or award, after the ceremony, but the Argentinian “categorically refused” to take a photo with the Barcelona president.
Messi played for Barcelona from 2003 to 2021. Despite the wishes of both parties, a new agreement could not be reached due to financial restrictions imposed by the Spanish Championship management, and the Argentine became a free agent. He admitted that he was willing to give up half his salary to stay.
On October 30, Messi won the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time.
Messi became world champion with Argentina in December 2022. The striker was transferred to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 after playing for French Paris Saint-Germain for two years. On August 20, the Argentinian won the League Cup, the first trophy in America. After 14 matches for Inter Miami, Messi scored 11 goals and 5 assists.
Previously in Qatar named It’s a shame that Messi was awarded the Ballon d’Or award.