Messi, who won the award for a fifth time, finished ahead of Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona and Brazil forward Neymar in the annual poll organised by soccer’s governing body.
“It is a very special moment for me to be back here on this stage, winning again another Ballon d’Or after being there in the audience watching Cristiano win,” said Messi as he accepted the award at the end of a drawn-out 90-minute ceremony.
But it is not everyone’s cup of tea and some critics, such as Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger, saying it is not appropriate in a team sport.
“I’m a big enemy of the Ballon d’Or. Who will win it? You know as well as I do that it’s certainly Messi who will win it. I think so. Overall I’m not a big fan of that,” the Frenchman said earlier on Monday.
The glamorous event was graced by minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula, FIFA Presidential Candidate and tycoon Tokyo Sexwale and famed sport presenter Robert Marawa.
Yes, score it Messi 5, Ronaldo 3.
