Leo Messi wins Ballon d’Or number six

Leo Messi claims another Ballon d’Or. The Argentine star was presented with the award 2019 this Monday by the French magazine France Football for a record breaking sixth time, another indication that the Barça striker continues to demonstrate that he is the best player of all time.

Messi won his first Ballon d’Or 10 years ago in 2009 and since then he has gone on to take the award in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015.

Just six months ago the Argentine claimed FIFA’s The Best award for player of the year and now he adds another individual prize to a success filled 2019. This year Messi won his sixth Golden Shoe award as Europe’s leading league scorer thanks to his 36 goals in the 2018/19 La Liga season. The striker was also top scorer in the 2018/19 Champions League with 12 goals and another La Liga title with Barça took his personal total of trophies with the Club to 34.

As for the rest of the nominated Barça players: De Jong placed 11th, Griezmann 18th and Ter Stegen 24th. In the Ballon d'Or goalkeeper prize order, Ter Stegen finished second, behind Liverpool's Alisson Becker. Lieke Martens was also amongst the 20 finalists for the women's Ballon d'Or award.

Messi: "I still have the desire to keep growing and improving every day"

After Didier Drogba announced the Argentine as the winner of the award, Messi was seated to watch a video of some of his best moments, as well as a video of messages from his family. 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric presented him with this year's trophy.

In his acceptance speech, Messi said: "I want to thank all of the journalists who voted for me, as well as all of my teammates at Barça and on the Argentinean national team, as they made me enjoy this year so much. You are all part of this incredible award.

"Ten years ago I won my first Ballon d'Or, at the age of 22. What was happening was unthinkable. Today I receive my sixth, in a moment that is completely different and very special on a personal level, with my wife, three sons, brothers and nephew," he continued.

Speaking about the future and his relentless drive, Messi explained: "I still have the desire to continue growing and improving every day, enjoying football like I have been since the age of 1 or 2 years old. I don't need individual awards to continue chasing the collective objectives that we have. I hope to continue enjoying many more years of football and my family."