Lionel Messi back on the top of the world again after fifth Ballon d’Or win

Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award for an unprecedented fifth time as the Barcelona forward reclaimed the biggest individual accolade in world football at a lavish ceremony in Zurich last night, beating Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, the three-time winner he has been runner-up behind for the last two years.

He also finished ahead of fellow Barca frontman Neymar after a calendar year in which the Catalan outfit claimed five titles.

Argentina international Messi, who scored 48 goals for his club in 2015, said after being presented the award by 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Kaka: “It is very special for me to be back here on this stage, winning another Ballon d’Or after being there in the audience watching Cristiano win.