Shoo-in Lionel Messi is an ever shining colossal football star. The best in the world. Somewhat magical on the grounds, an absolute wonder among the greats in the annals of sports geniuses. How Messi-ful!
Records tumble when he strides into a football field. Short and nimble, yet sturdy enough to ward off bullish opponents attempting to steal away a ball on his dribbling magnetic feet. Zigzagging between their wobbly limbs, passing them rooted and limp, leaving them to the deck for dead. An astonishing goal poacher of sublime repute. He makes Barcelona tick. José Mourhino and Antonio Conte define him as a refined game-changer who can influence the outcome of any club he plays for. On Monday Dec. 2, 2019 he set an all new record for the best player to ever walk this earth among his endearing peers by notching up the sixth (6th) Ballon d’Or award in football. These milestones do not just drop at will unto him from the enormous heavens as if there was/is no competition. Last night he eclipsed a close contender Virgil van Dijk and the podium-familiar star Christiano Ronaldo in a splendid gala event held in Paris, France.
The Argentina and Barcelona FC talent-supremo Lionel Messi has raked in the sixth Ballon d’Or honour elegantly staged at the majestic Théâtre du Châteletin in Paris last night.
Virgil Van Dijk, Netherlands and Liverpool FC stalwart defender, came second (2nd). Messi’s main long-standing archival Portugal and Juventus forward Christiano Ronaldo emerged third (3rd) on the night’s ranking of the best players in the world.
And there is a curious tidbit here: the five-time winner [Ronaldo] of the Ballon d’Or did not attended the perennial event which attracted, as it usually does, the crème de la crème of world footballing stars of yoke and current. It was a marvelous festive sight for football legends, players, scribes, administrators and fanatics alike.
The best players were, as per ritual of late, determined by a voting system that comprises football journalists, coaches and captains of national teams.
Messi’s family – his wife and children- were part and witnessed him become the first man to reach such heights in the history of football and mankind.
Croatian and Real Madrid midfield maestro Luka Modrić had the enviable privilege to present Lionel Messi with the (6th) triumphant trophy. Not only did he handover the prestigious trophy, he was passing the baton as the recent winner (in 2018). To most, Messi’s victory means the stranglehold on Ballon d’Or has been restored after three dry years.
When Messi ascended the stage and accepted the coveted trophy in Paris, he did not display that nearly robotic, if python-like slither he is known for in his trade. He was slow and tentative; perhaps trying to figure out his next gesture donned in unfamiliar dark slimsuit and white shirt held in check by a black tie; unassuming, completely betraying his dexterity pitch side. The night’s cumbersome attire was given finer finishing touches with polished shoes and, there hid the tricky feet.
Maneuvering in and out of French and English effortlessly was former Senegal International Didier Drogba who held his own as the co-host of the 64th Ballon D’or edition ceremony alongside French journalist Sandy Heribert. The glitz and glamorous event was organized by France Football Magazine.
Aged 32, Lionel Messi still amazes throngs and throngs of supporters around the globe with his magnificent sheer football gift. He is fantastically irresistible and too hard to ignore showering the genius with his dues.
Week-in and week-out he continues to delight the Barcelona faithful with wonderful moments which have brought mercurial glory to the Calatans. In general, even legions of football fans from every nook and cranny across the world adorably sing his deserved praises.
Tottenham Hotspur FC manager José Mourhino said that Lionel Messi is an elusive player, a rare brilliance such that any club with him in the squad could win the (European) “Champions League”. The Champions League winner with FC Porto and Inter Milan and Europa Cup with Manchester United was cited by The Guardian commenting about the Messi impact:
“One thing is a team; another thing is a team with Messi. It is a different story.”
The incredibly natural players of Lionel Messi’s caliber grace football scenes “once every 50 years”, The Irish Times quoted Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte in 2018 after his former Chelsea were eliminated in the Champions League by Barcelona. Messi scored three of the four goals that brushed the Londoners aside and ultimately ejecting them out of the competitive tournament.
Whether the Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte was right or not, that will become known when he finally retires from playing football. The question will linger on for years from that momentous occasion: Will there be another Messi or a player of equitable currency?
Other 2019 Big Winners
Liverpool’s Brazilian shotstopper, Alisson Becker, grabbed the best goalkeeper Yashin Trophy.
Kylian Mbappé, France and Paris Saint-Germain, was succeeded on the best young player [under 21 years of age] Kopa Trophy by Netherlands’ 20-year old Matthijs de Ligt (, former Ajax Amsterdam defender who swapped jerseys for Italian giants Juventus.
The American world-cup winner Megan Rapinoe fetched the best female player prize – the Ballon d’Or Féminin. In 2018, it was won by Norwegian and Lyon [France] star Ada Hegerberg.
No Mané, No Salah
Senegalese Sadio Mané and Egyptian Mohamed Salah, both Liverpool strikers who won the 2018/19 European Championship League, finished 4th and 5th behind the trio: Messi, Van Dijk and Ronaldo.
Some football optics describe it as a moment of controversy, leaving a bitter taste in their mouths. To others, a blemish of the night. And there are those who believe that the Barcelona star has set the bar a tard high. His [Messi] differentiatorial hallmark.
He is going to queue his latest (2019) merit award alongside the formative collector’s Ballon d’Or trophies: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015.
For now though, Lionel Messi rules the global roost. Six Ballon d’Or trophies on the trot, a universal fact. A factual fact of facts.