Lionel Messi has been crowned the winner of the Ballon d’Or for a record sixth time at the 2019 awards gala in Paris on Monday night.
Messi, 32, succeeds Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric to the 64th edition of the prestigious honour and moves ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, who held a joint-record five titles over the past two years.
Ronaldo was a notable absentee from the event that’s held by France Football, as his long-standing rival was honoured for his incredible exploits over the past 12 months.
Messi scored 51 goals and registered 22 assists in 50 games across all competitions for the Blaugrana last season as they romped to the LaLiga title and has followed with 11 goals and eight assists in 14 games in the current campaign.
While the Argentina captain was pipped to the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award by Van Dijk in August, he’s now lifted the FIFA Best Men’s Player title and the Golden Ball.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo, who has struggled to find top form for Juventus this season, finished in third place, his lowest ranking since failing to make it to the podium in 2010.
Nigeria winger Samuel Chukuweze missed out on the Kopa Trophy which was won by Netherlands defender, Matthijs de Ligt.
MEN BALLON d’or WINNER
Lionel Messi
WOMEN’s BALLON d’or WINNER
Megan Rapinoe
YACINE TROPHY
Alisson Becker
KOPA TROPHY
Matthijs de Ligt
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