Messi Wins Record-Breaking 6th Ballon d'Or, CR7 Snubs Awards
03 December, 2019
Lionel Messi has written his name into football's history books yet again after becoming the first player ever to win a sixth Ballon d'Or, beating Cristiano Ronaldo to the milestone, with the latter once again snubbing the awards gala.
The Argentine was named winner of the 2019 Golden Ball, claiming his sixth Ballon d'Or after previously lifting the prestigious individual trophy in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015.
He beat competition from Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo, with the latter missing out on becoming the first player to win the award six times.
Ronaldo won the accolade in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017, but failed to add another Golden Ball to his collection this time around.
Messi, who replaced last year's winner Luka Modric, can look back at a brilliant individual calendar year after claiming his six European Golden Shoe for his 36 goals in LaLiga last season. Overall, he finished the 2018/19 campaign with 51 goals and 22 assists in 50 games.
In 2019, Messi has scored 30 times for Barcelona and has five strikes to his name for Argentina. He lifted the LaLiga title but missed out on the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League trophy after Liverpool eliminated his side in the semi-final.
He also led his team to the Copa del Rey final, although Barca were beaten by Valencia in the decider, while he also finished in third spot with Argentina at the Copa America.
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