In Barcelona’s museum, Messi’s 8th Golden Ball title appeared in a corner of the museum that was quickly spread by fans and the media.

Recently, Messi’s 2023 Golden Ball appeared at the museum alongside the previous 7 titles. According to European media: “Even though he (Messi) didn’t win it as a player with Barcelona. But the intention of presenting this title is for all 8 titles to be displayed together.”

With his career in jersey, Messi as a Barcelona player has won his first 6 titles (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019). The remaining two Golden Balls, Messi won in 2021 and 2023 respectively when he moved to PSG and Inter Miami.

Messi was named eight times to receive the highest award in soccer

In particular, the 2021 title he achieved mainly from his time playing for Barcelona. The 2023 Golden Ball follows his achievements at PSG, Inter Miami and even the World Cup championship with Argentina.

Besides, Messi’s statue in China was recently destroyed. The authorities also considered this a very serious incident when this wax statue was placed in the museum of Guangdong province.

Messi’s wax statue was destroyed (Photo: X)

Previously, Messi also officially spoke out about the problem during his and Inter Miami’s tour in Hong Kong (China). After more than 2 weeks from that match, Messi – who did not play any minutes of play – has been receiving a major boycott from fans in this country.

Faced with this issue, Messi had a self-recorded clip to give official explanations about his failure to play and refute untrue information.

Messi only returned to play in the match against Vissel Kobe after his injury got better (Photo: Reuters)

“As you know, I always want to play and participate in every match. I’ve heard that I don’t compete for political reasons. If so, I would not have come to Japan or visited China so many times.

Since the beginning of my career, I have had a great relationship with the fans in China, from interviews, matches and events, both with FC Barcelona and the Argentina team,” Messi said.

Argentina: Unmatched strength from the Gold Cup and Messi

Messi explained about not being able to play: “I was injured. The first match I played in Saudi Arabia, I felt it. In the second match, I tried to play a few minutes, But it got worse.

I try to practice and work hard the day before the match in Hong Kong because everyone is there. In fact, I did what I could and also showed up at the clinic to have my injury checked. But the truth is that I can’t play because I feel uncomfortable and at risk of more serious injury.”

Coming onto the field in Japan against Vissel Kobe, Messi said that two days after the match in Hong Kong, his injury was better and he could play for a few minutes to get a feel for the upcoming start of MLS 2024.