Lionel Messi never fell short of creating history. Months ago, the Argentinian superstar etched his name in the history books to become the first-ever MLS player to earn his eighth Ballon d’Or. Though the prestigious prize triumph came with his new side Inter Miami, that didn’t stop La Pulga from making a heartfelt gesture for his former side FC Barcelona.

“FC Barcelona is the club that I will love my whole life.” This statement says volumes, as Messi has demonstrated that he is a man of his word. According to sources from Spanish journalist Miquel Blázquez, the Inter Miami skipper has chosen to donate his seventh Ballon d’Or to the Barça museum. Although he got the title while playing for David Beckham‘s soccer franchise, the 36-year-old player made the gesture for a particular cause.

Messi made the gesture of giving it up to ensure it finds a home alongside the other six he achieved during his stint with Barcelona (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019) and one with PSG (2021). This is allegedly not the first time he has done this. He made a similar gesture when he won his eighth Ballon d’Or as a Parisian. Notably, the World Cup winner even became the first player in the history of PSG to win the Golden Ball. Unfortunately, that led him into grave difficulties as well.

Earlier, there were reports stating that PSG had influenced Lionel Messi’s 2021 Ballon d’Or victory. Allegations surfaced stating that PSG’s head of communications, Jean-Martial Ribes, was under investigation for supposed corruption and influence peddling. Ribes, together with PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi, allegedly sought to convince Pascal Ferre, the former head of France Football and the guy responsible for the Ballon d’Or. It was reported that PSG gave various favours, including gifts and trips, to improve Messi’s chances of winning the award while he was with the Parisian club.

However, the Ligue 1 heavyweights were quick enough to deny the charges. Likewise, a Spanish commentator also came in favor of Messi, adding that ‘would betide anyone who attempts to damage his legacy.’ Notably, this isn’t the first time Pascal Ferre has been embroiled in Ballon d’Or controversy. In the past, Cristiano Ronaldo accused Ferre of circulating misleading information about his desire to beat Messi in Ballon d’Or triumphs. However, things have eased down, leaving Messi to celebrate his record-breaking seventh victory in peace.