Lionel Messi wins seventh Ballon d’Or

Lionel Messi has won his seventh Ballon d’Or, pipping second-placed Robert Lewandowski to the award.

Messi, 34, was the favourite heading into the event after finally ending his wait for an international trophy in 2021, winning the Copa America with Argentina.

He also finished as the La Liga top goalscorer last season and scored a brace in the Copa del Rey final for Barcelona, but his slow start to life with Paris Saint-Germain had cast doubts over his chances.

Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski, 35, was the top candidate for last year’s Ballon d’Or before the ceremony was cancelled, and his impressive record in front of goal was hard to ignore once more.

But it was Messi who came out on top, adding to his awards from 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019.

He has extended his lead as the record holder for what is considered the most prestigious individual prize in football.