Nasser Al-Khelaifi congratulates Lionel Messi for 8th Ballon d'Or despite breakup

Despite the strained relations between Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain since his departure from PSG this summer, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi acknowledged Messi's historic eighth Ballon d'Or win and congratulated him publicly after the gala.

On the other hand, in his acceptance speech, Messi did not express gratitude to PSG nor even mention the club nor Al-Khelaifi, who were both snubbed from it.

On Monday evening, Messi clinched the Ballon d'Or for the eighth time, sharing the podium with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

PSG president Al-KhelaifI couldn't attend the ceremony in Paris but he conveyed a message on PSG's social networks, stating, “The Ballon d’Or celebrates the greatest players from around the world. We are very proud that two of our PSG 2022/2023 players appear on the podium, reflecting the genius of Leo and Kylian.”

Messi, stubborn as he has been when it comes to dealing with PSG and his past in Paris, did not express gratitude to PSG in his acceptance speech and dismissed the idea of a trophy presentation at the Parc des Princes during a subsequent press conference.

These actions underscore the chilly relations between Messi and the club since their separation at the end of the last season. It's worth remembering that, although Messi won the World Cup with Argentina, he was still a member of PSG when he did so last December.