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Ballon d'Or 2019: Lionel Messi beats Ronaldo and Virgil Dijk to win the award

Monday, December 02, 2019 at 10:06 PM by Ibitoye Shittu

- Ballon d'Or 2019 saw Barcelona star Lionel Messi being crowned the winner

- The Argentine footballer beat Cristiano Ronaldo and Virgil Van Dijk to win the award

- Messi has now won the Ballon d'Or award six times in his career

- Megan Rapinoe wins the women's Ballon d'Or award

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has been named as the winner of the 2019 Ballon d'Or award beating greatest rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk.

Before Lionel Messi was even named as the winner on Monday night, December 2, in Paris, many football fans and pundits have tipped the Argentine footballer to win the award.

Lionel Messi has now won the Ballon d'Or award for the sixth time in his glorious football career playing for only Barcelona.

Last season, Lionel Messi was incredible for Barcelona winning the Spanish La Liga and also finishing as top scorer in Europe.

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Cristiano Ronaldo also won the Italian Serie A title with Juventus in his first season, but failed to steer the Old Lady to the final of the Champions League.

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Virgil Van Dijk on the other hand steered Liverpool to the final of the 2018/19 Champions League where they defeated Premier League rivals Tottenham.

This season also in the Premier League, Virgil Van Dijk has been impressive as his club Liverpool remain the only unbeaten club this term.

Also, Megan Rapinoe won the women's Ballon d'Or award.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and his Barcelona teammates are still topping the Spanish La Liga standings with 31 points after 14 games played so far.

Earlier, Legit.ng had reported how Lionel Messi made a striking confession after revealing he does not want a life contract at Camp Nou despite his desire to remain at Barcelona.