Messi’s name painted on Ronaldo’s statue in Portugal

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi on Monday won the Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best player for the fifth time.

I have played against Platini, Maradona, Cruyff and played with George Best – a lot of big names, but none of them has been able to do what Messi does.

Messi secured 41.33 per cent of the vote, with Portugal hitman Ronaldo getting 27.76 per cent and third-placed Brazil striker Neymar 7.86 per cent.

United States midfielder Carli Lloyd, who scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final, won the women’s award.

The trophy has been dominated by both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent years meaning many great players have never won it. What I can say is that he is the best out-and-out forward there is in the game today.

Neymar is now also an important part of that marketing and his form of late makes him a candidate for the 2016 Ballon D’ Or award, and also a target for wealthy English clubs.

Ireland manager Martin O’Neill gave Euro 2016 opponent Eden Hazard his second preference behind Lionel Messi in Ballon d’Or voting, while his captain Robbie Keane went with Cristiano Ronaldo as his first preference.

In Zurich past year, Messi had even cast doubt on his future at Barcelona.

America’s Jill Ellis won the World Coach of the Year award for women’s football.

Messi and Neymar helped Barca win the Primera Division, Copa del Rey and Champions League treble in 2015, plus the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Barca and Real dominated the team of the year as well with four players each, including Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo.

Yet, his signature moment came with the return of an old mentor in Pep Guardiola when Bayern Munich visited in the Champions League semifinals in May.