PSG make one-off change to kit to commemorate Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or triumph

The French giants face Monaco on Sunday evening, where they will adorn customised editions of their usual home kit to pay tribute to the brilliance of their most high-profile player

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Lionel Messi wins record seventh Ballon d’Or: Darren Wells reports

Paris Saint-Germain sported a special edition of their home kit for their home clash against Ligue 1 rivals Monaco to commemorate Lionel Messi’s record-breaking seventh Ballon d’Or.

The former Barcelona star secured the individual award yet again at Theatre du Chatelet last month, controversially beating Bayern Munich talisman Robert Lewandowski in the process.

With that being said, Messi’s heroics over the past year speak for themselves, the 34-year-old finally getting his hands on some major international silverware as he inspired Argentina to the Copa America in the summer.

As a way of celebrating Messi’s genius, PSG’s expensively-assembled squad all donned a limited edition version of their usual home strip that featured gold lettering and numbers on the back.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Did Messi deserve the Ballon d’Or? Comment below

Lewandowski was not the only superstar Messi beat for the award, the Argentine fending off the threat of the likes of Mohamed Salah, Chelsea midfielder Jorginho and long-term rival for the accolade Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 2020 edition of the trophy was scrapped as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, though plenty of players, pundits and fans alike were united in agreement that last year’s Ballon d’Or should have been handed to Lewandowski had it gone ahead.

Messi seemingly agrees, using his acceptance speech to highlight the Poland international, stating: “I’d like to mention Robert, it’s been a real honour to compete with him.

“I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or, you deserved it.”

Messi went on to reveal his delight at being handed the award for a record seventh time, telling PSG’s official website : “I’m really proud to win the France Football Ballon d’Or once again.

“It’s incredible to win it for the seventh time. I would like to thank my family, my friends and all the people who follow me and always support me, because without them I couldn’t have done it.”

PSG’s number 30 was the subject of praise from club chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who explained: “I would like to warmly congratulate Leo.

“The club is immensely proud that one of our players has won this most prestigious and coveted title.

“Leo is making football history once again. Along with all our supporters around the world, we are delighted to be able to enjoy one of most iconic footballers of all time in the Rouge & Bleu shirt.”

PSG currently sit top of the Ligue 1 table having lost just once after 17 games played, but Messi has struggled to recreate the kind of form in front of goal that made him a Barcelona icon.

The Argentine has scored just once since making the switch to the French capital.