Lionel Messi's historic eighth Ballon d'Or win, a remarkable achievement following his World Cup victory with Argentina, has now become embroiled in controversy. Reports suggest that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is under investigation by the Paris prosecutor's office for purportedly exerting influence to secure Messi's triumph in the prestigious award.
Lionel Messi's historic eighth Ballon d'Or win, a remarkable achievement following his World Cup victory with Argentina, has now become embroiled in controversy. Reports suggest that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is under investigation by the Paris prosecutor's office for purportedly exerting influence to secure Messi's triumph in the prestigious award.
The allegations point to PSG's attempts to sway Pascal Ferre, the former head of France Football magazine and organizer of the Ballon d'Or. According to French media outlet La Monde, PSG authorities are accused of making efforts to influence Ferre by offering various benefits. These purported benefits include VIP tickets, with examples cited such as those for the 2020 away match against Borussia Dortmund and an estimated €8,986 ticket provided by the Government of Qatar for Qatar Airways business class in March 2021.
The underlying motive, as reported, was PSG's aspiration to see Messi clinch the Ballon d'Or during his tenure with the French club, recognizing the commercial gains associated with a player winning the prestigious award while still under contract. The investigation has particularly honed in on PSG's former communications director, Jean-Martial Ribés, who is believed to have played a key role in the alleged campaign.
In response to these allegations, Ferre and his supporters vehemently deny any involvement in Messi's 2021 Ballon d'Or victory. They contend that Messi did not receive the award in 2022, and during Messi's seventh Ballon d'Or win in 2021, Ferre himself reportedly voted for Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.
As the investigation unfolds, it raises questions about the potential influence exerted by football clubs in prestigious awards and the integrity of the Ballon d'Or selection process.
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