Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or for the seventh time. In second place Robert Lewandowski of Bayern, third place for the midfielder of Italy champion of Europe Jorginho. "Only" sixth Cristiano Ronaldo.

"It is incredible to be back here after two years, after what happened, and without having to answer questions about the contract or when I would retire. Instead I found myself in Paris and with enthusiasm to get back to fighting for big goals. I don't know how long I have left to play, but I hope to be able to do it for a long time to come ", comments Messi at the award ceremony, from the stage in Paris.

"I thank all my team-mates from Barça and PSG and especially the technical group and the teammates of the Argentine national team - said La Pulce -. I always had the feeling that I was missing something to achieve, and this year the dream I so desired is it is achieved, that trophy that I have wanted for a long time has arrived. The America's Cup led me to win this award, and for this I want to thank my teammates, because they are part of this award. The best prize I won in June : since I started playing I have always dreamed of winning a trophy with the national team, for my people. "

Then a dedication to the one who beat "on the wire". "It was an honor for me to have fought with Robert (Lewandowski ed) - the words of Messi -. I think he deserved it, because last year everyone agreed that he should have had the Ballon d'Or and I also think he should have this award. Robert, I hope that 'France Football' can compensate you and give you this award, because in 2020 you would have been the right winner, and it is right that you should have this trophy at home. "

THE BLUES - In the ranking Nicolò Barella won the 26th place . The positioning of the Sardinian midfielder ex Cagliari, today the backbone of the median of Inter and the national team, was revealed on the official Twitter profile of the prestigious award, during the usual countdown before the announcement of the overall winner.

Gianluigi Donnarumma finished in tenth place and won the Yascin award for best goalkeeper in the world for 2021: "How do I feel to be, at 22, the best goalkeeper in the world? - the comment of the former AC Milan player - I still have so much to learn, but this award is the fruit of daily work ".

Thirteenth captain Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci 14th ahead of the English Raheem Sterling.

(Unioneonline / D)

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