Lionel Messi was joined on stage by his three sons after winning the Ballon d’Or award for a record-extending eighth time on Monday.

Messi – who captained Argentina to glory at the FIFA World Cup last year – had been the overwhelming favorite to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or, despite Manchester City forward Erling Haaland also presenting a strong case.

After a vote conducted by 100 journalists had officially ratified Messi as the winner, the 36-year-old was presented with the Ballon d’Or trophy by his current boss, Inter Miami president David Beckham.

Messi then delivered a humble speech in which he thanked his teammates and his family, while also wishing a happy birthday to the late Diego Maradona, who would have turned 63 on Monday.

Lionel Messi pictured at the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Paris with wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sonsIMAGO/PHOTOPQR/LE PARISIEN/MAXPPP/Fred Dugit

“Wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. This goes also to you,” said Messi.

Following his speech, Messi invited sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro to join him on the stage. All three were dressed in black suits and bright white sneakers.

Middle son Mateo briefly grabbed the Ballon d’Or trophy off his dad – much to the amusement of Messi’s wife Antonela, who was still seated at this point.

After Mateo had handed the trophy back to his dad, Sandy Heribert – who was co-hosting Monday’s ceremony alongside Didier Drogba – commented: “It’s very heavy, 15 kilos.”

Messi’s eight-year-old son Mateo pictured (center) grabbing the Ballon d’Or trophyTwitter/X/@ballondor