Ten years since he was recognised as the best player in the world, Lionel Messi has ended the decade with another Golden Ball trophy. The Argentine was awarded with Ballon D’Or trophy on December 2, 2019 – a record sixth time – which caps an astonishing decade with him being at the top of the sport. This was Messi’s first Ballon d’Or triumph since 2015 – ten years after beating Ronaldo and Xavi in 2009 to win his first Best Player award. The Barcelona forward finished ahead of Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk and long-time Rival Cristiano Ronaldo to win this award. This puts Messi ahead of the Portuguese star who has five Ballon d'Or awards to his name. The Argentine has had a fantastic decade and we take a look at how the little magician has changed over the years. Year Ender 2019 Football Special: Liverpool Reclaims Lost Legacy.

Back in 2009, when Lionel Messi won his first Ballon d’Or, he was just a skinny kid from Rosario who had the potential to reach great heights in football if managed properly. And now a decade later, the Argentine has evolved himself into something more special than just a regular football player who had a great career. He has established himself as probably the greatest player football has ever seen. The Barcelona forward has been a central figure in all the success the Catalan club has achieved over the years and has been the talisman for every manager that have helmed the affairs in the club. Diego Maradona Snubs Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Names Another Argentina Footballer As Greatest Player of All Time.

In this decade, Lionel Messi has broken and set a countless number of records as he became the highest goal scorer and the highest assist provider in the history of La Liga. The Argentine magician also became the highest goal-scorer in El Clasico history surpassing the Real Madrid great Alfredo Di Stefano. In 2018, Lionel Messi went ahead of Gerd Muller’s record of most goals scored for a single club in Europe’s top five divisions.

The Argentine genius is now 32-years old, which means that he is in his twilight years and retirement comes closer with each passing season. Now in his thirties, the Barcelona forward seems to have rediscovered himself and is still playing at a level above the rest, his sixth Ballon d’Or is a proof of that. The streak of the GOAT isn’t over yet. And that should be good news. More of Messi-magic awaits!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 19, 2019 06:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).