Lionel Messi wins Ballon d'Or for the record extending seventh time

 

Lionel Messi wins the highly coveted Ballon d'Or for the record seventh time beating Robert Lewandowski to the award at an event in Paris, France. (Photo credit: FIFA)

PSG’s Lionel Messi has been named the prestigious Ballon D’or winner for a record extending 7^th time on Monday in a lavish ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.

The former Barcelona playmaker beat Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich and Poland as well as his perennial rival Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United and Portugal to the award, he now has at least two more than anyone else on the planet.

Messi led Argentina to their first major trophy since 1993 at the last Copa America, beating Brazil 1-0 in the final, his club form wasn’t the best but statistics still favored the sensational forward;

Italy’s Jorginho was also tipped for the award after helping Chelsea to the champions league glory as well as Italy to the Euros title, he alongside Gigi Donnarumma made the team of the year with the goalkeeper being named safest pair of hands for the year.

Lewandowski won the striker of the year award, while he was the clear favorites for the award if it was held last year, the Polish striker will have to make do with the golden boot as well as a spot upfront in the team of the year.

Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel and Emma Hayes were named coaches of the year for the male and female teams after Chelsea won the champions league and their female team won the version of the tournament for women.

"It's incredible to be here again. Two years ago I thought it was the last time. Winning the Copa America was key," Messi said. "It is a special year for me with this Copa America title. It meant a lot to win at the Maracana stadium and I was so happy to celebrate with the people from Argentina.

"I don't know if it's the best year of my life, I've had a long career, but it was a special one with the title with Argentina after the tough times and the criticism."

Barcelona’s Pedri was voted young player of the year.