Lionel Messi was pictured travelling to Paris with his wife and children for the 2019 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony. The 32-year-old, who is the overwhelming favourite to life his sixth Ballon d'Or trophy, scored the winning goal as Barcelona edged Atletico Madrid 1-0 to climb on top of the La Liga points table. Messi expected to beat Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo among others and lift the Golden Ball, which will also be his sixth career Ballon d'Or trophy following wins in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015. Accompanying him were also FC Barcelona teammates Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong, both of whom have been named if the 30-man shortlist for the 2019 Ballon d’Or award. Ballon d’Or 2019 Ceremony Time Nears, Here's Why Lionel Messi Is Being Tipped to Win His Sixth Ballon d’Or Award.
According to reports, Messi, his wife Antonella Roccuzzo and his two children travelled to Paris in club Barcelona’s jet for the 2019 Ballon d’Or award ceremony. Dailymail UK also reported that the footballer was carrying his Emporio Armani suit and suitcase. Despite an injury-hit season so far and a failure to win the Champions last season, Messi is the favourite to win the 2019 Ballon d’Or trophy. Despite the club’s struggles and poor form away from home across all competitions, Messi enjoyed a stellar campaign in the club level. Lionel Messi For Ballon d’Or Award 2019: 3 Reasons Why Barcelona Forward Should Win His Sixth Golden Ball.
Lionel Messi Arrives for 2019 Ballon d'Or Ceremony in Paris
Barcelona Trio Have Arrived
Last season he scored 51 times in 50 appearances for Barcelona and led the club to the La Liga title. 12 of those goals came in the Champions League, in which Barcelona were ousted by Liverpool following a disastrous performance at Anfield where the four-time winners surrendered a three-goal cushion and were beaten 4-3 on aggregate. He also netted 36 goals in 34 league appearances last term and was awarded the Pichichi award, which is given to the highest goal-scorer in La Liga.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 03, 2019 01:33 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).