Lionel Messi has sent a message to young talent after the Argentine striker won his eighth Ballon d'Or on Monday night.


Messi helped Argentina win the FIFA World Cup as a captain, the key to winning the individual title.

The 36-year-old striker also sent a message to Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, who finished second and third in the Ballon d'Or, and hoped they would both win the title next year.

"The Ballon d'Or is a gift for all Argentines, but I will never forget Haaland or Mbappe having a great year and in the years to come they will win," said Messi.