After winning the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time on Monday, Lionel Messi was joined on stage by his three boys.

Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup triumph last year, had been the clear favourite to win the Ballon d’Or in 2023, despite Manchester City forward Erling Haaland making a strong case.

After a vote of 100 journalists confirmed Messi’s victory, the 36-year-old was presented with the Ballon d’Or trophy by his current manager, Inter Miami president David Beckham.

Messi then delivered a humble speech in which he thanked his teammates and his family, while also wishing a happy birthday to the late Diego Maradona, who would have turned 63 on Monday.

“Wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. This goes also to you,” said Messi.

Following his speech, Messi invited sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro to join him on the stage. All three were dressed in black suits and bright white sneakers.

Middle son Mateo briefly grabbed the Ballon d’Or trophy off his dad – much to the amusement of Messi’s wife Antonela, who was still seated at this point.

After Mateo had handed the trophy back to his dad, Sandy Heribert – who was co-hosting Monday’s ceremony alongside Didier Drogba – commented: “It’s very heavy, 15 kilos.”