Lionel Messi set a new record for Ballon d’Or when he was awarded the trophy for the 6th time at an awards ceremony held in Paris recently. The Argentinian striker edged past Cristiano Ronaldo who was earlier tied with him at 5 wins. The Portuguese finished 3rd in the rankings, behind Virgil Van Dijk of Liverpool who came in the 2nd place.
On the other hand, Megan Rapinoe, the star forward of the World Cup winning United States football team, bagged the Ballon d’Or for the women. Even punters and expert football predictions had all backed Messi this time to win the top individual award of the football world.
Messi has evolved to become the greatest of all time
Lionel Messi had won his first Ballon d’Or back in 2009 and has evolved to become one of the most celebrated football players in the world, rated by many as the greatest of all time. Accepting the award, Lionel Messi said, “Ten years ago I received my first Ballon d’Or, guided by my three brothers. Today, I receive my sixth, guided by my wife and children. As my wife says, it’s important to never stop dreaming and to always work to improve myself and continue to enjoy myself. I hope to continue to play for some time. I know I am very fortunate, even if, one day, I will have to retire. That will be difficult but I still have beautiful years in front of me.”
Van Dijk humble in defeat
Van Dijk of Netherlands and Liverpool came in the second place, being a part of the Liverpool side that won the Champions League and losing finalist in the Nations League. Humbly accepting his defeat, Dijk said that it was an amazing year for him, but one must always give it to the players who have unnatural abilities. He admitted that he had to respect greatness.
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He along with 3 more Liverpool players made it to the top 10. Allison came 7th, while Sadio Mane finished 4th. Allison also received the inaugural Lev Yashin prize for being the best goalkeeper of the year, named after the legendary Russian keeper who is the only goalkeeper that won the award back in 1963.
Megan Rapinoe named the best among women footballers
Megan Rapinoe on the other hand edged out Lucy Bronze of England, as well as her fellow American player Alex Morgan to win the women’s Ballon d’Or. The 34-year-old player couldn’t attend the ceremony, however, recorded a message and expressed gratitude for her teammates for their tremendous support both on and off the football field, especially during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, when she was pretty vocal against the United States President Donald Trump.
In her message, she said, “I want to say congratulations to the other nominees. I can’t believe I’m the one winning it and women’s football is lucky to have these players. Thanks to my teammates for all the support. You allow me to be who I am on the field and the person I am off of it. There is not enough thank yous in the world for all that you guys do for me.”
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