On This Day 6 Years Ago: Lionel Messi Wins Historic 6th Ballon d’Or
On this day, six years ago, Lionel Messi made football history by winning his 6th Ballon d’Or, surpassing legendary players and cementing his status as one of the greatest of all time. The award ceremony saw Messi edge out Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk by just 7 votes, highlighting how competitive the 2019 Ballon d’Or race truly was.
Messi’s achievement was not just a personal milestone—it symbolized consistency, brilliance, and a career defined by extraordinary talent and dedication.
Background: The Ballon d’Or and Messi’s Journey
The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually by France Football, honors the world’s best male footballer. By 2019, Messi had already won five Ballon d’Ors, a record at the time, tying with Cristiano Ronaldo for most wins.
-
2010: Messi’s first Ballon d’Or
-
2011-2012: Consecutive wins during Barcelona’s dominance
-
2015: Fifth Ballon d’Or
-
2019: Historic 6th win, beating Virgil van Dijk
This 2019 award was particularly significant because it recognized Messi’s sustained excellence amidst emerging talents like Van Dijk, who was widely celebrated for his defensive mastery at Liverpool.
The 2019 Ballon d’Or Race: Messi vs Van Dijk
The 2019 race was one of the closest in recent history. Messi clinched the award with only a 7-vote margin over Virgil van Dijk, reflecting both the attacking brilliance of Messi and the defensive solidity of Van Dijk.
Key Stats from 2019:
-
Messi scored 36 goals across all competitions
-
Provided 13 assists in La Liga
-
Led Barcelona to a La Liga title
-
Van Dijk helped Liverpool reach the Champions League final
The narrow win sparked debates among fans and analysts, with some arguing that Van Dijk deserved the award for his defensive impact—a rare feat in Ballon d’Or history.
Fan Reactions: Celebration and Controversy
The reaction from fans was electric:
-
Barcelona fans: Overjoyed at Messi’s continued dominance
-
Global football fans: Divided—many praised Van Dijk’s defensive brilliance
-
Social media buzz: #Messi6Times and #BallondOr trended worldwide
Despite some controversy, the consensus remained clear: Messi’s 6th Ballon d’Or cemented his place in football history.
Historical Impact: Why This Win Matters
Messi’s 6th Ballon d’Or had profound implications:
-
Record-breaking achievement: He became the player with the most Ballon d’Ors in history.
-
Legacy validation: Reinforced Messi as an all-time football great.
-
Influence on younger players: Inspired the next generation of footballers to combine skill, consistency, and professionalism.
-
Redefining football excellence: Showed that attacking creativity could triumph even in a game increasingly focused on tactical and defensive discipline.
Reflection: Messi’s Enduring Legacy
Six years later, Messi’s influence on football is undeniable. From his dribbling wizardry to his playmaking intelligence, every generation of fans witnesses the impact of his genius. The 6th Ballon d’Or was more than just an award—it was a celebration of a player who consistently redefined the boundaries of football greatness.
Messi’s achievement serves as a reminder: true legends are measured not only by trophies but by their ability to inspire, influence, and elevate the game itself.
Join our whatsapp channel on https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbC9RDiJENxy77f4MZ2t
