Ballon d'Or highlights: Lionel Messi crowned the world's best player for a record 6th time

Ballon d'Or 2019 ceremony just concluded on Monday night and as expected, Lionel Messi scooped award for sixth time in his career. Barcelona forward had stiff competition from Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk but eventually prevailed with Dutch defender taking second place on  podium. Keep reading for 2019 Ballon d'Or highlights.

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Ballon d'Or 2019: Lionel Messi wins

Presented by France Football, 64th ceremony of Ballon d'Or was held on Monday night (Tuesday, December 3 IST) at  atre du Chatelet, Paris, France. Lionel Messi, who already won 2019 FIFA Men's Best Player award back in September beating Virgil van Dijk, once again beat Dutchman to lift  Ballon D'Or 2019. Messi won award back in 2015 and has w 6 Ballon d'Or awards, leaving his Portuguese rival Cristia Ronaldo behind at 5.

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Ballon d'Or highlights: Numbers that matter

Lionel Messi scored an astonishing 51 goals in 50 appearances last season to help Barcelona win LaLiga title. He also led Argentina to a 3rd placed finish at Copa America 2019. Lionel Messi scored 45 goals so far in 2019 and has continued his surreal form once again this season. Virgil van Dijk came second after helping Liverpool win Champions League last season and leading club's march to a Premier League title this season. Cristia Ronaldo finished third to complete top three in Ballon d'Or 2019.

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Ballon d'Or highlights: Top 10

Liverpool's progress under Jurgen Klopp was well-rewarded in Ballon D'Or 2019 ceremony after three Liverpool players - Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk made it to top five.

Ballon d'Or highlights: winners

Among or winners, Megan Rapie beat Lucy Bronze and fellow World Cup winner Alex Morgan to claim Ballon D'Or Feminin. Liverpool's Alisson Becker won Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper. Juventus defender Matthijs de Light won 2019 Kopa Trophy for best performing player in Under-21 category. 

Watch: Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or 2019 winning speech

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