Lionel Messi wins sixth Ballon d’Or award

Lionel Messi became the first men’s footballer to win the Ballon d’Or award for a sixth time, taking the award for the world’s top men’s player Monday at a Paris gala.

Messi, 32, received his first Ballon D’Or in 2009, and over the past decade has gone on to become the most celebrated player in football and perhaps the greatest to play the game.

“Ten years ago I received my first Ballon d’Or, guided by my three brothers,” he said. “Today, I received my sixth, guided by my wife and children.

“I am very lucky, I am blessed. I hope I will continue for a long time,” Messi told reporters. “I realize that I’m lucky even if one day it will be time to retire.

“It will be tough, but I still have some years ahead of me. Time flies, so I will enjoy football and my family.”

Messi scored 36 times last season en route to a 10th Spanish Liga title, and was the Champions League top scorer. His goals in the Liga also made him the top scorer in Europe’s biggest leagues, earning him the Golden Shoe award.

Messi also came out on top in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015 and he is now one clear of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five.