New Delhi: Lionel Messi on Monday bettered his own record of four Ballon d'Or wins by adding another one to that tally.
There were no surprises in Zurich, as the Barcelona forward comfortably won the award ahead of rival Cristiano Ronaldo and teammate Neymar.
Messi received 41.33% of all votes, while Ronaldo and Neymar got 27.76% and 7.86% respectively.
Lionel #Messi's son, Thiago, reacts to his dad winning the #BallondOr: pic.twitter.com/JR3y9HnMHp
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 11, 2016
The 28-year-old has now won the coveted award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015.
"It is a very special moment for me to be back here on this stage, winning again another Ballon d'Or after being there in the audience watching Cristiano win," said Messi as he accepted the award at the end of a 90-minute ceremony.
"It's incredible this is my fifth," he added. Messi had an incredible 2015 with the Catalan giants, winning the La Liga, Champions League and the Copa Del Rey.
In 61 games, Messi scored 52 goals and completed 26 assists last year.
Here is what footballers, past and present, had to say about Messi's 5th Ballon d'Or win.
Congratulations to Lionel Messi on winning his 5th #BallondOr. Unbelievable achievement
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) January 11, 2016
Congrats to @TeamMessi on his #5 #BallondOr the genius showing #5 some love!! pic.twitter.com/IxWYL5AqcL
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) January 11, 2016
In addition, I want to congratulate Leo Messi for winning his 5th Ballon d'Or award.
— Pelé (@Pele) January 12, 2016
This confirms he is the best player in the world, as I have stated many times.
— Pelé (@Pele) January 12, 2016
Tthe FIFA #BallondOr 2015 winner is the greatest footballer ever to play the game, Lionel Messi.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 11, 2016
Congratulations Lionel Messi. Thoroughly deserved. #Messi #BallondOr #5
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) January 11, 2016