SportsTalk, October 31, Beijing time early this morning, Messi won the 2023 Golden Globe Award, winning the eighth Golden Ball in his career.
Full text of Messiās acceptance speech at the award ceremony:
“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who voted for me to be the recipient of this award. Obviously, also to share it with my national team teammates, and again, this award is achieved with the Argentina national team. Achievements are inseparable. As Dib (Martinez) said before, we are with Lautaro, Julian (Alvarez) and he (Martinez) is the representative of everyone, and I believe this is for the entire team , the entire coaching staff and Argentina and all the people are a gift in recognition of what we have achieved.”
“I donāt want to forget Haaland and Kylian (Mbappe), they have had an incredible year individually and collectively. Haaland has had a fantastic year and has won everything. I have no doubt that, They are going to win this award in the next few years.”
“I see a lot of young people here. I have no idea Doubtful, because of the caliber of the players here tonight, I will enjoy great football for a long time. I have been lucky enough to attend this event for many years, the players are constantly being updated but the level has never dropped and we will continue to enjoy it for many years to come.”
“I never thought I would have a career like this, where I could achieve all my goals and achieve everything in football. It was very difficult. I joined the best team in the world, the best team in history, which made everything easier and I won many championships, many individual awards.”
“I spent some time in ArgentinaTough times, no success. I repeat again, even so, I never gave up and kept fighting to realize my desire to win the Copa America and the World Cup. I’m proud that I didn’t give up halfway. As I said before, the World Cup was something that really surprised me, people all over the world wanted me to be world champion so much, which was strange and also nice to see that feeling come about. “
“I’m still not used to themed evenings, awards… there are a lot of things. This last time I felt a lot more relaxed, a lot calmer and I was enjoying everything in a different way. I donāt know if I have too much or too little time left. After my career is over, the only thing I will do is continue to enjoy football. I’ve never stopped enjoying football, it’s something I still love and it’s what I love to do. “
“I would like to especially thank everyone who is happy that Argentina has become world champion.” I would also like to thank my family, my wife, and my children, who have always been with me in the most difficult moments and who have also helped me realize my football dream. Without you, none of this would be possible. ā
“Finally, I would like to mention Diego (Maradona). It’s his birthday today and I can think of no better place to congratulate him than here, surrounded by players, coaches and people who love football as much as he does. So wherever he is, happy birthday, Diego. This Ballon d’Or also belongs to you and to all of Argentina. ā