By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has claimed the men’s Ballon d’Or for a record seventh time.
Messi, was presented with the award for best men’s footballer in the world on Monday night in Paris after an impressive 12 months for club and country.
The 34-year-old ended his long wait for a major international trophy in July by winning the Copa America with Argentina as they beat hosts Brazil in the final.
Messi shared the Player of the Tournament prize with Paris Saint-Germain teammate Neymar and took home the Golden Boot after registering four goals and five assists.
He also helped Barcelona win the Copa del Rey title last season, his 34th and final trophy with the club before switching to PSG this summer.
Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, who was the favourite to win the 2020 edition of the Ballon d’Or, came second in the vote.
Chelsea midfielder Jorginho who won the UEFA Champions League and European championship title with Chelsea and Italy came third.