even in the running, but after guiding argentina to world cup glory, lionel messi has won a record extending eighth men s ballon d or title. spanish women s world cup winner aitana bonmati claimed her first on a star studded evening in paris. messi was presented the award by david beckham, co owner of his new side inter miami. as expected, he beat several big names, including manchester city s erling haaland and psg s kylian mbappe to win football s top prize after captaining his country to a famous world cup win over france in qatar last year. messi won three more ballon d ors than anyone else and said he couldn t imagine having the career he s had and the fortune of being part of the best team in history. well the women s award was won by aitana bonmati, presented by the tennis world, number one, novak djokovic. the spain and barcelona midfielder winning for the first time. she helped her country to the women s world cup this summer and club barca to the champions league. t