Barcelona legend Lionel Messi made history by winning a record seventh Ballon d’Or on Monday.
Some might question whether Lionel Messi really deserved to win his latest Ballon d’Or prize ahead of other worthy candidates, but the Argentinian has been rewarded for continuing to be so good for so long.
The GOAT beat off competition from stars such as Robert Lewandowski, Jorginho, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante to scoop the Golden Ball.
The honor is awarded by France Football magazine to the male soccer player considered to be the best in the world over the previous year.
It’s voted on by a panel of 180 international journalists and is the most prestigious individual honor in the sport.
Spain and Barcelona forward Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or, which was awarded for the third time this year. She was named the UEFA women’s player of the year in August.
Monday marked the seventh time that Messi has won the Ballon d’Or, extending a record he set with his sixth time being honored in 2019.
Rival Cristiano Ronaldo is second all-time with five Ballon d’Ors. The Manchester United and Portugal forward finished sixth in voting this year.
