Messi wins record sixth award, Rapinoe claims women’s honour

Lionel Messi claimed a record sixth Ballon d'Or award on Monday, beating Liverpool's leading nominee and Cristiano Ronaldo to lift soccer's most prestigious individual trophy.

Megan Rapinoe earlier won the women's Ballon d'Or after leading the United States to a record-extending fourth World Cup title in France this year as they retained the trophy.

Messi, who won the Liga title with Barcelona but only managed third place in the Copa America with his country, added to his 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015 trophies.

The Argentine finished above Dutchman Virgil van Dijk and Portugal's third-placed Ronaldo, who has won the award five times.

"I am very lucky, I am blessed. I hope I will continue for a long time," Messi told reporters.

"I realize that I'm lucky even if one day it will be time to retire," added the 32-year-old.

"It will be tough but I still have some years ahead of me. Time flies so I will enjoy football and my family."

The 34-year-old Rapinoe, the standout midfielder at the JuneJuly tournament, succeeded Norway's Ada Hegerberg who did not take part in the World Cup.

Rapinoe was not present at the ceremony in the Theatre du Chatelet, where the show An American In Paris is on.

"I'm so sad I can't make it tonight. It's absolutely incredible. Congrats to the other nominees. I can't believe I'm the one winning in this field, it's been an incredible year," Rapinoe said in a recorded message.

Dutchman Matthijs de Ligt, a key player in Ajax Amsterdam's thrilling run to the Champions League semi-finals and now at Juventus, won the Kopa trophy for the best under-21 male player.

Alisson, one of the four Liverpool players in the top seven for the men's Ballon d'Or, was awarded the new Yashin trophy for the best male goalkeeper of the year.

There was, however, no trophy for the best female under21 player or keeper.