Messi won a seventh Ballon d’Or title, beating Robert Lewandowski to the award. The Bayern Munich striker finished second after being a heavy favourite to win last year’s award only for the ceremony to be cancelled because of Covid-19.

Messi claimed his seventh title – moving two ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in the process – and his first as a Paris Saint-Germain player following his summer move from Barcelona. The 34-year-old won a maiden Copa América title with Argentina this year and was also top scorer in La Liga before his emotional departure.

“It’s incredible to be here again. Two years ago I thought it was the last time. Winning the Copa América was key,” Messi said. “It is a special year for me with this Copa América title. It meant a lot to win at the Maracanã stadium and I was so happy to celebrate with the people from Argentina.

“I don’t know if it’s the best year of my life, I’ve had a long career. But it was a special one with the title with Argentina after the tough times and the criticism.”

Messi receives his seventh Ballon d’Or from his old Barcelona mucker Luis Suarez. The warmest embrace. On the big screen behind, an emotional Messi, tears of joy welling up, is pictured jumping up and down with the Copa America trophy, which is nearly as big as him. Messi is then asked to press a big red button, whereupon the pictures switch to live coverage of the Eiffel Tower, lit up and shimmering just for him. Paris belongs to Lionel.

Messi's classy comment to Lewandowski.

But Lewandowski could at least find solace in the fact that the man who defeated him, Messi himself, showed nothing but class when he took to the stage to collect his trophy.

Having thanked his Barcelona and PSG teammates, as well as everybody involved in the Argentina set-up, Messi was sure to take the time to address his biggest rival for the gong.

According to Get French Football News, Messi said directly to Lewandowski: "You deserve your Ballon D'Or. Last year, everyone was in agreement to say that you were the big winner."