Lionel Messi Wins Sixth Ballon d’Or, Breaks Tie With Cristiano Ronaldo

Getty Lionel Messi and Barcelona will play Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi was crowned this year’s Ballon d’Or recipient on Monday, breaking the tie for the most ever with Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Megan Rapinoe, who helped the United States Women’s National Team clinch their fourth World Cup title this summer, is this year’s recipient of the female Ballon d’Or, the Reign FC captain’s first honor.

Twitter Reacts to Messi and Rapinoe’s Victories

Over on Twitter, many had a feeling this news was inevitable. However, seeing it confirmed validated many of their sentiments that Messi is truly one of, if not the greatest, to play soccer. 

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Virgil van Dijk, the Liverpool defender who came in second to Messi in the rankings, was also in complete agreement there was “someone better” who should have won ahead of him.

Nonetheless critics and fans alike also celebrated the Dutchman nearly dethroning the Argentinian.

 

 

It’s been a fantastic year for Rapinoe, and the excitement those had for her online nearly rival the same glee they showed the 34-year-old this summer.

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Impressive Numbers to Claim a Historic Victory

There was considerable outrage when Messi came in fifth in last year’s Ballon d’Or race, with Real Madrid’s Luka Modric ultimately claiming the top prize. Given Messi’s numbers this year, it’s no surprise he justly reclaimed his spot at the top.

In the 2018/2019 campaign, the 32-year-old recorded 54 goals for club and country, earning his 10th La Liga title in the process. In September, Messi was also voted Best FIFA Men’s Player.

Striker Cristiano Ronaldo came in third for the first time since 2010, but the five-time Ballon d’Or holder had a rather successful year himself. After almost a decade in Spain, he joined Juventus in summer 2018 and went on to win Serie A in his first year in Italy. The Portugal international was not present at Monday’s ceremonies, but the 34-year-old shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Should he rival some of the numbers that earned him his previous Ballon d’Or awards, he could find himself level again with Messi before either of them call it a career and hang up their boots.

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