Messi joined by sons and wishes Maradona happy birthday in touching Ballon d'Or speech

The 36-year-old has won his incredible eighth honour following a year that saw him captain Argentina to World Cup glory.

Messi finished ahead of Manchester City giant Erling Haaland, who came second, and third-placed Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe.

His eight Ballons d'Or are the most won by any player in the history of football, with long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo the closest on five.

The Inter Miami superstar was all smiles as his name was announced by his club's co-owner David Beckham as the winner.

And during his acceptance speech, he paid tribute to Argentina legend Maradona on what would have been his 63rd birthday.

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"Wherever you are, this is also for you. Happy birthday, Diego," he said, with the crowd then giving a warm applause.

Joining Messi at the ceremony in Paris was his wife Antonela, who has been with him for all eight of his Ballon d'Or triumphs.

Their three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, were also in attendance and joined their Dad on stage during the rest of his speech.

At one point, Mateo, tried to hold the trophy, which is said to weight around 15kg.

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He then gave it back to Messi before they stood centre stage with Beckham and presenters Didier Drogba and Sandy Heribert.

Messi will now revel in the latest success of his illustrious career, with the forward firmly established as an icon.

The crowd at the Theatre du Chatelet, in Paris, rose to their feet when he was announced as the winner as football celebrated one of its greats.

It remains to be seen if it will be Messi's eighth and final award, but there's a very good chance that no one will ever top his tally.

His award came on a night where Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy and Erling Haaland was the recipient of the Gerd Muller Trophy.

There were also unsavoury scenes when Emi Martinez collected the Yachine Trophy, with a replay of his stunning World Cup final save against Randal Kolo Muani being met with boos from a small minority of the crowd.