Paris Saint-Germain and Argentine forward Lionel Messi have won the Ballon d'Or, the title of footballer of the year, for the seventh time.
The 34-year-old Messi helped his country Argentina win the Copa America this year. And in 2021 itself, he scored 40 international goals. Of which 28 were for Barcelona, four for his new French club Paris Saint-Germain and eight for Argentina.
Bayern Munich and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski finished second, Chelsea and Italy midfielder Jorginho third, and Real Madrid's French striker Karim Benzema fourth at this year's event.
180 journalists from around the world voted to select the winner of the Ballon d'Or. In the year 2020, no award was given due to the corona epidemic.
Except for one year, between 2008 and 2019, this award has been given to Messi or Ronaldo. Only in 2018, it was won by Croatia midfielder Luka Modric.
Messi had already become the player to win this award the most times. Messi has previously won this award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2019 as well.
'First Copa America and now this...'
After winning the award at the Théâtre du Chatelle in Paris, Messi said: "It's incredible to be here again. Two years ago I thought it was the last time I was met. People started asking me when I was going to retire." But now I am here in Paris and I am very happy."
"This year is special for me. First, the Copa America win, and now this... The one-zero win against Brazil in Copa America was very special. It was a pleasure for the Argentines to celebrate that victory together with seven It's hard to say whether this is the best year of my life or not, but because of Argentina winning the title despite tough times and criticism. It's a special year."
On July 10 this year, Argentina won the title of the Copa America tournament played between the countries of South America by defeating Brazil.
Runner-up Appreciation
Messi also praised the second-ranked runner-up, Poland's captain Lewandowski.
Messi said, "Robert deserved to win it last year. I would say that it is a proud moment to win this title, surpassing him."
Lewandowski scored 53 goals for German club Bayern in 2021 and was awarded the Striker of the Year award.
Fourteen of the 30 players selected for the Ballon d'Or currently play in England's Premier League, five each from Chelsea and Manchester City.
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