Lionel Messi wins record 6th Ballon d’Or as Virgil van Dijk comes in second

The 2019 Ballon d’Or results are out, and the winner is the one and only Lionel Messi, crowned the best player in the world a record sixth time, beating out Virgil van Dijk, who came second, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo in third and Sadio Mané in fourth place.

This is Messi’s sixth Ballon d’Or in 10 years, the first one that came in 2019, and the fifth one in 2015, when he beat out Ronaldo and Neymar Jr. After coming second in both 2016 and 2017, and not even making it to the top three in 2018, the FC Barcelona talisman, despite a lot of flak, has made it to the top, and rightfully so.

“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.” the 32 year old said on stage.

“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.” the Argentina international continued.

Watch below as Messi is honoured with the award, courtesy of the official Twitter of France Football.

Despite the Copa America controversies, Messi is having a great La Liga season leading the Catalans to the top of the table, with 9 goals and 5 assists.

Coming in second is Virgil van Dijk, who is an inevitable and arguably the most impactful player in Liverpool’s recent success, especially in lifting the 2018-19 UEFA CHampions League trophy.

Cristiano, securing third place, was absent at the ceremony in Paris. Winning the 2016 and 2017 awards, he was beaten out by former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modrić in 2018.

Mané, another key player in Jürgen Klopp’s Red Army, came in fourth. The Senegalese has been the leader in charge of Liverpool’s attacking force, and has been vastly impressive this season, with 8 goals and 2 assists to his name.