Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina's Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d'Or for the seventh time in his career which is a new record that now puts him two clear of Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time standings.

Despite his summer departure from Barcelona, Messi's latest success and his first since 2019 was largely due to his triumph with Argentina at the latest Copa America which finally added an international title to his impressive collection.

"I am really proud to win the France Football Ballon d'Or once again," Messi told PSG of his seventh title. "It is incredible to win it for the seventh time. I would like to thank my family, my friends and all the people who follow me and always support me, because without them I could not have done it"  

Bayern Munich and Poland's Robert Lewandowski came second having seen his biggest chance dashed when COVID-19 canceled the 2020 event in the Germans' prime as they conquered all before them in an incredible clean sweep.

Messi's latest win with PSG now means that the French giants finally have a Ballon d'Or winner having seen George Weah crowned as an AC Milan player just months after moving to San Siro and the current president of Liberia remains the only native African winner of the award.