The Argentine star becomes the most decorated player in Ballon d'Or history.
Leo Messi collected his sixth Ballon d'Or, the distinction awarded by France Football that sees him crowned as the best player on the planet. On this occasion, Messi prevailed over Liverpool centre-back, Virgil van Dijk, by seven votes, and third-placed Cristiano Ronaldo, who lead the way in a 30-man shortlist featuring the Azulgranas Antoine Griezmann, Marc-André ter Stegen and Frenkie de Jong.
Commenting on his sixth Ballon d'Or award, Messi declared that this latest accolade comes at a very special time: "God willing, I'll continue to enjoy my career for a number of years to come. I'm aware of my age and you come to enjoy these kinds of occasions all the more because you know that you're edging closer to retirement".
Despite mentioning his retirement in his address, Messi laid the fears of the Barça fans to rest in the mixed zone, where he commented that there's still plenty more to come from him: "I'm currently feeling as good as I ever have done in terms of my fitness and I hope to be able to extend my career for much longer". Messi also noted that he won't be activating the clause that allows him to leave Barça, declaring that "What I feel for this club goes beyond the signing of any contract".
It had been a well-known secret for several weeks that Messi would scoop another Ballon d'Or after recording what was a very good 2019 on an individual level. During the course of the year, he was crowned the leading marksman across the European leagues with 36 goals to his name, ended the Champions League campaign top of the scoring charts on 12 goals and captured a La Liga winners' medal with Barça.
Just as he has done when collecting all other individual honours claimed throughout his career, the Barcelona frontman recognised the role played by his teammates and reiterated that he would happily swap any of his Ballon d'Or prizes for another piece of team silverware, such as another Champions League crown with Barça or Copa América glory with Argentina.