“Today I’m here in Paris. I am very happy, really very happy, I really want to continue to fight and reach new objectives. I don’t know how many more years but I am really enjoying myself. I thank my team-mates at Barça, Paris & Argentina,” Messi said after receiving the award.

The 34-year-old Messi led Argentina to the Copa America title in July after losing in four major international finals.


The Argentine also complimented Robert Lewandowski for his brilliant performance. “Robert, you deserve your Ballon D’Or. Last year, everyone was in agreement to say that you were the big winner of this award,” said Messi.

I’m very emotional, it’s a very special moment,” she said at the Paris ceremony through a translator. “I would like to start by thanking all my teammates, especially my current (Barcelona) teammates. For me it’s a collective success.”Cristiano Ronaldo finishes outside the top three in the Ballon d’Or for the first time since 2010. Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski won the “Striker of the year” while Italy stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma clinched the best goalkeeper award. The Kopa trophy for best young player went to Barcelona’s Pedri. Chelsea, meanwhile, won the best club award.
Ballon d’Or 2021 Winners:

Ballon d’Or (Men): Lionel Messi (PSG/Argentina)

Club of the year: Chelsea Football Club

Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)

Ballon d’Or (Women): Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/Spain)

Striker of the year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich/Poland)

Kopa Trophy for best young male player: Pedri (Barcelona/Spain)
The last recipient of the Ballon d’Or Award was Lionel Messi. He won the prestigious award for a record of 6 times in 2019. As the honour is set to be presented to the best player in the world in Paris on Monday, France Football has released a 30-man shortlist for the 2021 awards. The winners of the Kopa Trophy presented to the best performing player under 21 years of age, and Yashin Trophy, presented to the best goalkeeper, will also be announced.