Lionel Messi Wins Record Sixth Ballon d'Or

Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been voted the winner of the prestigious Ballon d'Or for a record sixth time.

Messi was shortlisted alongside his archrival Cristiano Ronaldo who has won the prize five times but fell in third place behind Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk who was second.

The 32-year-old last won the title in 2015 and it comes in the same year he won a record sixth Fifa's best male player of the year - he also tied with the Ronaldo in this award.

In his acceptance speech on the podium, Messi admitted winning the award another time might be near impossible for him due to his age but recalled winning the award for the first time in 2009 in Paris and that he has won the same award for record sixth time can only be "absolutely unthinkable" for him at the time.

He added, "I never stopped dreaming and enjoying football like when I was a child. I hope I have more years to enjoy, although I am aware of how old I am, everything happens very quickly and I know that the of retirement (withdrawal) is approaching."

Title defender, Luka Modric, did not make the final 28-man list shortlisted for the award. However, he was the 10th player from Spain's La Liga to win the award.