The two football icons were both levelled with five Ballon d’Ors each, but Lionel Messi broke the tie on Monday night after he was named the winner for 2019.
The Barcelona forward beat Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk and his long time rival Cristiano Ronaldo to pick up his sixth Ballon d’Or award.
In a glamorous award ceremony that held in the French Capital, Messi edged out Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk after a year that saw him win the European Golden Boot and also La Liga.
Van Dijk was second with Cristiano Ronaldo completing the top three. Sadio Mane was the highest African on the list coming in fourth place while Mohamed Salah completed the top five.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles golden boy, Samuel Chukwueze missed out on the Kopa Trophy- an award given to the best player under the age of 21.
Kylian Mbappe was the first recipient of the award, but it was Juventus and Dutch star, Mathijs De Ligt that picked up this year’s award.
Here is the 2019 Kopa Trophy Top 3 ⤵️
1. Matthijs de Ligt
2. @Sanchooo10
3. @joaofelix70#ballondor #kopatrophy pic.twitter.com/Dqg5CizQ5C
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) December 2, 2019
The Dutch international beat Jadon Sancho and Joao Felix to the award. In the other category of the night, Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson Becker received the inaugural Yacine trophy.
Alisson is the very first #yachinetrophy! 🧤 #ballondor pic.twitter.com/7Z2REMmxUE
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) December 2, 2019
The Brazilian international beat Barcelona goalkeeper, Ter Stegen and compatriot Ederson to pick up the award.
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