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

Lionel Messi wins record fifth Ballon d'Or award, ending Cristiano Ronaldo's two-year reign – New York Daily News

Lionel Messi retirement 'approaching': Ballon d'Or winner makes admission, London Evening Standard

Lionel Messi sends message to Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe after sealing record-breaking eighth Ballon d'Or win

Ballon d'Or 2016 - Nine years of dominance: How the Messi-Ronaldo balance of power has shifted - Eurosport

Why is the Ballon d'Or always prioritized towards forwards, instead of defenders or midfielders? - Quora

Messi's outstanding gesture for Maradona after winning 8th Ballon d'Or award

Piers Morgan claims that Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or win was 'rigged

Lionel Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or already in the bag?! Report claims Inter Miami star will beat Erling Haaland to 2023 award - and get one over on Cristiano Ronaldo with another unique

Cristiano Ronaldo laughs along with pundit who savages 'retired' Lionel Messi for undeserved Ballon d'Or awards

Ballon d'Or 2023: Lionel Messi wins record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or award following World Cup success - Eurosport

Lionel Messi ruled out of contention for the Ballon d'Or by Adrien Rabiot - as the France & Juventus star backs Kylian Mbappe & Erling Haaland to battle for the top prize