Lionel Messi has become the first men's footballer to win the Ballon d'Or award for sixth time in the Paris Gala on Monday.
The Argentina forward scored 46 times for club and country in 2019 -- including the only goal in Barcelona's 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday. He also helped Camp Nou side win La Liga.
The 31-year-old beat out Liverpool defender, Virgil van Dijk, who was instrumental in helping Liverpool win the Champions League, for the award voted on by a panel of international journalists.
"I am very lucky, I am blessed. I hope I will continue for a long time," Messi told reporters. "I realize that I'm lucky even if one day it will be time to retire.
Messi also came out on top in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015 and he is now one clear of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five.
Source: https://www.espnfc.com