Lionel Messi Pips Cristiano Ronaldo, Wins European Golden Shoe Award for Record Fifth Time!

Adding another feather to his already star-studded cap, FC Barcelona’s forward Lionel Messi has won the European Golden Shoe Award for the fifth time. The star player seemed amazed after being presented with the award. Messi said that he had never imagined having so much success! The win also puts him ahead of his arch-rival – Cristiano Ronaldo.

Lionel Messi scored a total of 34 goals in 36 La Liga matches that he played in the previous season, i.e. 2017-18. The feat saw him become the highest goal-scorer in Europe! Mohammed Salah was second placed as he had scored 32 goals for Liverpool. Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane was placed third, as he finished the last season with 30 goals. Afghanistan Kid Murtaza Ahmadi Who Wore Lionel Messi Plastic Jersey Forced to Flee Home After Offending Taliban.

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the European Golden Shoe Award four times, i.e. 2007-08, 2010-11, 2013-14 (shared with Luis Suarez), and 2014-15. Marching ahead of him, Lionel Messi has won the award five times now, i.e. 2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, and 2017-18.

While receiving the award, Lionel Messi said, “The truth is I had no idea this would happen when I started. I dreamt of playing professional football and enjoying success, I love the game, but I never imagined I would have so much.” Lionel Messi Pips Cristiano Ronaldo’s Record; Scores More Goals than CR7 in the Champions League.

Messi further said, "I enjoy my work, the effort and, above all, the team-mates. I'm in the best team in the world, I have the best team-mates in the world in their positions and that makes everything easier getting these awards." Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Juventus Star Beats Barcelona Legend to Achieve This Major Champions League Record!

The Argentinian had faced a lot of flak and was involved in a web of controversies after being snubbed during the FIFA Awards for Best Player of the Year, earlier this year. However, the 31-year-old talisman has once again silenced his critics by winning the European Golden Shoe Award for the record fifth time.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 19, 2018 11:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).