Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or win is a token retirement gesture

WATCH: Lionel Messi presents the Ballon d'Or to Inter Miami fans! Argentine showered in applause ahead of Noche d'Or friendly vs NYCFC by Herons supporters

Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or win is a token retirement gesture

If Messi wins the Ballon d'Or, I quit football - Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly took a dig at Lionel Messi for 'staying in a bubble' and not challenging himself at a new club

If Lionel Messi wins the Ballon d'Or, I'll quit football' - Cristiano Ronaldo's shock statement on arch rival revealed

Cristiano Ronaldo surprisingly comments on scathing Lionel Messi attack from Spanish journalist arguing that Inter Miami star 'looked retired' at PSG & should only have five Ballon d'Or awards

Lionel Messi 'will keep his seventh Ballon d'Or in the Barcelona museum

Was Messi's 8th Ballon d'Or a Fluke, Stroke of Luck, or Rigged?, by Harshparhar

Why would Lionel Messi win this edition of Ballon d'Or for the seventh time, especially since he had a relatively average performance and most importantly when it's obvious that Robert Lewandowski had

Can Haaland stop WC-winner Messi from winning an 8th Ballon d'Or?

Lionel Messi wins Ballon d'Or for record 5th time

Messi's Ballon d'Or crowning achievement: He's going for his eighth award