Lionel Messi Wins Ballon d'Or For Seventh Time

Lionel Messi is the Ballon d'Or winner for a record-breaking seventh time and now leads Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo (5-time) by two. 

Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski was anticipated to win the prize but the Polish player finished second behind Messi. He led the scoring for the German side with 38 goals in 30 games last season. In the third was Chelsea's Jorginho. 

"It's incredible to win it for the seventh time," said Messi. "I would like to thank my family, my friend and all the people who follow me and always support me, because without them I couldn't have done it."

Messi left his former team Barcelona to join the Paris Saint-Germain in summer. He is now the prize's all - time biggest winner