Messi has now finished among the top three a record 14 times in total, finishing runner-up on five occasions.  He has since inspired US fans after moving to Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain, but it was his imperious form in Qatar which saw him crowned again following Argentina’s third World Cup win.

Messi beat Manchester City’s Erling Haaland into second place with France‘s Kylian Mbappe third. England and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham was voted the Kopa Award winner for best Under-21 player in the world.

In a hint it could be his swansong, after an unprecedented career that began when he joined Barcelona aged 13, he said after collecting the trophy: ‘Erling deserved it very much too, he has won the Premier League, Champions League while being the top scorer of everything. This award could have been yours today too, I’m sure in the next years you will win it’.

The event was attended by many of the world’s best male and female footballers and their partners or spouses.

Lionel Messi with wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their sons during the red carpet ceremony of the Ballon d’Or

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi after being awarded the men’s Ballon d’Or by co owner David Beckham

Messi hugs his boss Becks after receiving the award

Lionel Messi hugs his sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro on stage

Antonela Roccuzzo and Lionel Messi with sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi after winning the men’s Ballon d’Or with his sons