Lionel Messi scoops FIFA Ballon d’Or award and is crowned world’s best player ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar
Lionel Messi moved brilliance to another level as he was presented with the Ballon d'Or for the fifth time in his extraordinary career.
The greatest player of this generation was recognised by international captains, managers and journalists for his outstanding performances during 2015, when Barcelona became the first team to complete the treble of league, cup and Champions League for the second time.
Messi's performances were, at times, mesmerising and his highlights from the past 12 months include his goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final, when he chipped Manuel Neuer from six yards, and his solo run against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi poses with the Ballon d'Or award after claiming the gong for the fifth time in his career on Monday night
Messi is congratulated by Barcelona team-mate and fellow finalist Neymar after receiving 41.33 per cent of the votes to scoop the award
Cristiano Ronaldo shakes the hand of winner Messi having missed out on claiming the prize for the third consecutive year
Messi smiles with former Brazil international Kaka who presented the Argentina international with the award having won it himself in 2007
The Ballon d'Or finalists react as Kaka reveals the winner to be Messi – Neymar grins while Ronaldo appeared to show little emotion
Ronaldo and Messi – considered by many to be the two greatest players on the planet – sit side-by-side ahead of the ceremony
Messi smiles as Real Madrid star Ronaldo greets the Argentine's partner Antonella Roccuzzo at the Kongresshaus as Neymar looks on
Barcelona forward and Brazil international Neymar – complete with bow tie and bowler hat – was the third finalist for the main award
Messi touches the award during his winner's speech (left) and poses for a selfie with grinning Ballon d'Or presenter James Nesbitt
Messi holds his son Thiago as Barcelona team-mate Dani Alves jokes around with the youngster backstage following the ceremony
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