Leo Messi wins the FIFA Ballon d'Or

Leo Messi has the Midas touch. This Monday afternoon, at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, the Argentine genius was named the winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or for the fourth time in as many years. He beat out Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and teammate Andrés Iniesta, second and third respectively. The winner of the award in 2006, Paolo Cannavaro, was charged with reading the name of the winner and awarding the trophy.

“It’s an honour”

Messi, 25 years old, was visibly touched to win the Ballon d’Or: “Winning this award again is incredible. It’s impressive. I want to share this with my FC Barcelona teammates, especially with Andrés [Iniesta], and also with the players of the Argentina national team. It’s an honour. Thank you to my family, my friends, and lastly and especially to my wife and son, he’s the most precious thing God has given me.” His speech was followed by long standing ovation by the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala attendees.

Messi surpasses Cruyff, Platini and Van Basten

With his latest Ballon d’Or conquest, Messi is now the only footballer in the history of the sport to ever win the trophy four times. He surpassed Michel Platini’s three consecutive Ballon d’Or wins (1983, 1984 and 1985), the three trophies won by Johan Cruyff (1971, 1973 and 1974) and Marco van Basten’s three wins (1988, 1989 and 1992). Leo Messi, simply put, is a living legend.