Lionel Messi wins record 6th Ballon d’Or

FC Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has been awarded his 6th Ballon d’Or award, putting him one ahead of rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time list. 

The France Football honour recognises the world’s best player for the calendar year, and comes after yet another incredible year for the Argentine star. He was selected ahead of Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo for the award. 

This year, Messi picked up his 10th La Liga title, Barcelona’s 26th,as well as the 2019 Super Cup, while helping his side reach the final of the Copa del Rey and the semi-final of the Champions League too. 

So far in 2019, Messi has scored 46 goals for club and country while his side are still to play five more games this year, giving him the chance to add to that goal tally. 

During the summer, his national side, Argentina, finished 3rd at the Copa America.

In September, Messi also won the FIFA The Best award, and the government of Catalonia gave him one of their highest civil distinctions this year too, the Cross of St. Jordi. 

To top it off, the Barcelona icon was also recognised for his supreme ability in a very unique way in 2019 - by having a Cirque du Soleil show created around his skills and career. 

The Canadian acrobatic troupe launched their 'Messi10' show earlier this year.