Watch Lionel Messi flinch after being spooked by fireworks as he shows off Ballon d’Or award before PSG match
LIONEL MESSI was taken by surprise after Paris Saint-Germain let off fireworks to celebrate his Ballon d’Or triumph this week.
The French giants made a presentation to the Argentine prior to last night’s home clash with Nice at Parc des Princes.
Messi stood on a podium alongside team-mate Gianluigi Donnarumma, with both holding their respective awards while posing for pictures and smiling for the crowd.
Just as the 34-year-old thought the presentation was over, he was given a little fright.
As he and Donnarumma went to step off the podium, fireworks were set off behind them.
Messi jumped and looked sheepish as the racket ensued behind him.
Donnarumma appeared a little more nonplussed, as he clutched his Yashin Trophy.
The award-winning duo couldn’t inspire Mauricio Pochettino’s side to victory against Nice.
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With Neymar injured, PSG drew a blank against their opponents from the Cote d’Azur – with the match finishing a 0-0 stalemate.
With PSG still 12 points clear at the top of Ligue 1, the result will hardly have spoiled Messi’s week.
Monday night’s gong was his seventh Ballon d’Or triumph – two more than Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi did graciously admit that runner-up Robert Lewandowski was robbed of last year’s cancelled award – and should be retroactively given the 2020 prize.
He said: “I would like to mention Robert Lewandowski, it’s been a real honour to compete with you.
“Everyone knows and we agree that you were the winner last year.
“I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or – you deserve it and you should have it at home.”
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