David

Leo landed in Buenos Aires on Sunday ahead of the South American 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. The Argentine, who has scored three goals in as many appearances so far in the qualifying campaign, will be out to help the Albiceleste to a two wins in the double-header, which will be played on Thursday, 16 November at La Bombonera (Buenos Aires) and on Tuesday the 21st in Maracaná (Rio de Janeiro).

Leo will be in friendly action against New York City FC on Friday, days after claiming his eighth Ballon d'Or in Paris. The Argentine will share the most coveted individual prize in the game with the home fans at the DRV PNK Stadium in the Florida-based outfit's last outing of the season and ahead of the South American qualifying double-header for the 2026 World Cup with Argentina.

Glory with Argentina: “I thank my national-team team-mates. I'm representing all of my team-mates. This is a gift for the whole group, the coaching staff and for the Argentines.”

Other Ballon d'Or finalists: “I don't want to forget Haaland or Mbappé. Haaland had an amazing year and won everything going. In the coming years, they’ll both win this award. I see a lot of young players coming through, and I’ll have to watch on from the other side and will be able to enjoy football for a long time thanks to such players. I’ve been fortunate to be in this room for many years.”

Support: “I want to mention all those who’ve followed my career and those who were keen to see me become a world champion. I received a lot of love from people from different countries. I want to share this award with my family in Argentina and my wife and my children."

Dedication to Diego: “And I want to mention Diego. There’s no better place to wish him a happy birthday than here with all of you people from within the game. Wherever you are, ‘Happy birthday, Diego!'”

Award for efforts: “I never imagined I’d have the career I have. I’m lucky enough to have achieved everything in football, which is no mean feat. I was at the best club in the world and in the history of the game and that made things more straightforward. I won many trophies there. I have been part of many defeats with Argentina, but I never gave up trying to win the Copa América and the World Cup. I feel very proud of having kept on going.”

Leo was awarded the Ballon d'Or for the 2022-2023 season at the gala ceremony held in Paris on Monday night. The Argentine claims the accolade for the eighth time, an unprecedented achievement in the history of the game. Leo collects the most prestigious individual prize in the sport after lifting the World Cup with Argentina in December 2022, a tournament in which he landed the Golden Ball and the Silver Boot, courtesy of his seven goals and three assists in his seven outings. In addition, he scored in the round of 16, quarter-finals, semis and in the final against France on Qatari soil.
Leo recorded 32 goals and 25 assists in his 55 games for PSG and Inter Miami during the 2022-2023 season. The Argentine attacker also won the Ligue 1 title with the Parisian outfit and the Leagues Cup with Inter – the first trophy triumph in the history of the MLS club.

Leo's Ballon d'Or triumphs: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.

Inter Miami travel to Charlotte for the sides' MLS Matchday 35 meeting. Leo has joined back up with the Florida-based outfit after having been in action with Argentina in the South American World Cup qualifiers, in which he bagged a brace against Peru.

Primo Entertainment and Moment Factory announce the first-of-its-kind interactive multimedia experience — “The Messi Experience: A Dream Come True". On April 24th 2024, the Messi Experience will kick off its world tour in Miami as the city’s newest must-visit attraction. The interactive journey will take visitors through experiential activities from living-legend Leo Messi's childhood to now. Messi’s arrival to Miami came with much fanfare when it was formally announced. The Messi Mania we all know is dominating the game in the U.S. to the delight of fans across the country. Visitors can pre-register on Wednesday, October 18th until Tuesday, October 24th for the Wednesday, October 25th limited-release ticket drop. On  October 26th, tickets will go on sale to the general public at www.themessiexperience.com.

The Messi Experience will transform The Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Miami's Coconut Grove into an interactive fan attraction that takes guests on a unique journey through the life of the living legend and invites visitors into the game of football. The immersive journey will put fans through Messi’s training camp and emulate his training regimen with real-time score updates. For those looking for more interaction, there will be a virtual selfie with Messi and a conversation opportunity with Messi using advanced AI. Entering a world fueled by childhood dreams and record-breaking achievements, guests will experience and discover the man behind the legend.

"I am thrilled to be part of this project that allows fans to get closer to my journey on and off the field," said Leo Messi. "Throughout my career, I have always strived to inspire and connect with people through my passion for football. This experience will offer a unique opportunity to relive the most memorable moments and feel the emotions shaping my path."

Fans of Messi will be immersed in ten physical and digital experiences right alongside the football legend like never before, both on and off the field. Embark on the journey starting with his early years in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina; his arrival and career at Barcelona, to his lifting of the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. The spectacular, personalized adventure will bring visitors through the emotional journey of a boy who became a legend.

"We are excited to be a part of such an extraordinary experience," said Andres Naftali and David Rosenfeld, Co[1]Founders of Primo Entertainment. "Messi, as a living legend, is a perfect example of how all generations can overcome challenges and succeed. This Miami immersive experience will be 75 minutes of inspiration, emotion, entertainment and fun for everyone to enjoy."

The Messi Experience: A Dream Come True will open to fans on April 25th, 2024, for a limited time at the Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Miami's Coconut Grove before it continues on to other cities. Limited-release tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, October 25th on www.themessiexperience.com. For more information and updates, please follow @TheMessiExperience on Instagram and @TheMessiExperience on Facebook