
French police are investigating the seventh Ballon d'Or won by Lionel Messi, the one lifted in 2021. According to investigators, PSG carried out a suspicious operation to ensure the world's highest individual celebrity award ended up in the hands of Argentines after signing with the Parisians.
The relationship established between the French club and Pascal Ferré, former director of France Football, is under scrutiny. The latter was under pressure for the Argentine champion to win against Robert Lewandowski, the potential candidate at the time. Ferre is accused of corruption and direct influence.
Pasca Ferré, currently PSG's press officer, at that time received several gifts, such as various invitations to the Parc des Princes in the VIP stands for him and his friends, as well as completely free trips to Qatar on very standard flights high and free accommodation in the most luxurious hotels.
According to the investigations, the reason was the softening of the relations between France Football and the owners of the Parisians, but which highlight an illegal act. Messi, who won the Copa America in 2021, was also the winner of the last edition of the Ballon d'Or, the eighth of his career.