Lionel Messi wins record seventh Ballon d’Or award

Lionel Messi has been crowned winner of the Ballon d’Or award for a record seventh time with Robert Lewandowski finishing as runner-up.

After finally leading his country to their first major trophy in 28 years with their Copa America triumph in the summer, Messi was expected to win award again.

The Paris Saint-Germain star has extended his lead over rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the Ballon d’Or stakes, retaining the award as he was presented with the trophy at a star-studded gala in Paris.

It is the 12th time out of the last 13 editions that either Messi or Ronaldo has won the award, presented to the best footballer in the calendar year.

“Robert, you deserve your Ballon d’Or. Last year, everyone was in agreement to say that you were the big winner of this award.” – Messi pays tribute to Lewandowski.

Organisers France Football opted to cancel last year’s event due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the game worldwide, with Messi retaining his award following his win in 2019.