LIONEL MESSI made the Ballon d’Or a family affair as he arrived with his wife and three kids.
The Inter Miami and Argentina hero, 36, is the heavy favourite to land a record-extending EIGHTH gong at the annual France Football awards.
Messi led his country to World Cup glory in dramatic fashion in Qatar last December, completing his incredible trophy cabinet.
And ahead of possibly getting his hands on the famous golden trophy once again, Messi was joined by his nearest and dearest on the red carpet at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
He kept it simple this year with a navy tux completed with a bow tie.
Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo dazzled in an off-shoulder dress while their three sons – Mateo, Thiago and Ciro – looked adorable in matching navy suits, white shirts and white trainers.
Real Madrid team-mates Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior certainly caught the eye on the Ballon d’Or red carpet, too.
Bellingham – who was crowned Kopa Trophy winner as the world’s best young player – opted for a bold set of flares to go with his double-breasted black jacket.
Vinicius, meanwhile, went for a red velvet jacket and matching shoes.
Erling Haaland and girlfriend Isabel Johansen made a grand entrance with their snazzy suit and sparkling dress respectively.
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The Manchester City striker enjoyed a sensational debut season at the Etihad, scoring 52 goals to power his new side to a historic Treble.
His team-mate Bernardo Silva went for a routine tux and bow tie as wife Ines Tomaz stunned in a strapless cut-out black dress.
Kylian Mbappe went for a grey suit, black shirt and black tie.
And Ilkay Gundogan, Lautaro Martinez, Rodri and Julian Alvarez all arrived with their glamorous partners.
But it was not just the nominees grabbing the attention at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Host Didier Drogba was flanked by partner Gabrielle Lemaire while ex-French footballer Djibril Cisse showed plenty of confidence in his white suit with doves along with blue shoes and hair.
YouTuber IShowSpeed was also in attendance in a black suit and tie while world No1 tennis ace Novak Djokovic made a visit ahead of competing at the Paris Masters event this week.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
