Messi wins record fifth FIFA Ballon d'Or award

Zurich:Lionel Messi won an unprecedented fifth FIFA Ballon d'Or award, given to the footballer of the year, at a gala ceremony here on Monday, ending his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo's two-year hold on football's top individual prize.

Either Messi or Ronaldo, who became a three-time winner last year, have won the past eight awards. The FC Barcelona and Argentine superstar's reclaimed the prize from three-time winner

Portugal's Ronaldo and he now leads 5-3 in their career duel for the annual FIFA prize.
Messi received 41.33 percent of the votes, followed by Ronaldo (27.76 percent) and Neymar (7.86 percent). Messi inspired Barcelona to regain the Champions League title among five major trophies in 2015, scoring 52 goals in 61 games with 26 assists.
Barcelona's dominance was shaped by the brilliance of their incredible offensive trio of Messi, Neymar and Uruguyan Luis Suarez."

"It's a very special moment for me, winning another Ballon d'Or after being in the audience watching Cristiano win the last two years. I want to thank all who voted for me and my teammates who without none of this would be possible. I want to thank football for everything it has brought me - both bad and good, it has helped me grow. Thank you," Messi said after winning the award.