Lionel Messi has etched his name into history once more by winning his seventh Ballon d'Or after a stellar 2021.

Pitted against Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar was recognised for his stellar achievements with Barcelona and Argentina.

Messi is now a SEVEN-time Ballon d'Or winner

The 34-year-old was a strong the favourite after winning the Copa America with Argentina earlier this year, despite one of his less impressive years at club level.

Barca finished third in La Liga and fell in the first knockout round of the Champions League.

However, Messi scored two goals as Barca won the Copa del Rey final and he was La Liga's top goalscorer once more, before moving to Paris this summer.

Robert Lewandowski won the inaugural 'Striker of the Year' award, although it will probably be scant consolation after not winning in 2020 when the glitzy ceremony was scrapped.

The Argentine brought his entire family to the glitzy Parisian ceremony

There was drama before the ceremony even started, with Cristiano Ronaldo voicing his frustrations at a French journalist, who suggested his sole aim of his career was to win more Ballon d'Or trophies than Messi.

"Today's outcome explains Pascal Ferre's statements last week, when he said that I confided in him that my only ambition was to finish my career with more Ballon d'Ors than Lionel Messi," Ronaldo posted on Instagram.

"Pascal Ferre lied, he used my name to promote himself and to promote the publication he works for.

"It is unacceptable that the person responsible for awarding such a prestigious prize could lie in this way, in absolute disrespect for someone who has always respected France Football and the Ballon d'Or.

Lewandowski was awarded the 'Striker of the Year' award

"The biggest ambition of my career is to win national and international titles for the clubs I represent and for the national team in my country.

"The biggest ambition of my career is to be a good example for all those who are or want to be professional footballers. The biggest ambition of my career is to leave my name written in golden letters in the history of world football."

Alexia Putella won the Feminin award after registering 37 goals and 37 assists to help Barcelona win the Champions League and the Liga Iberdola in 2021, while Pedri beat off competition from Jude Bellingham to win the Kopa award for the best player in the world under the age of 21.

With every winner, there must be losers and while Messi won big on the night, PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe looked less than impressed with his ninth-placed finish.

Alexia Putella had a sterling year for Barca

The youngster looked less than impressed with his standings in the Ballon d'Or

The France forward was caught on camera giving a disapproving glance to Messi alongside him as the result was declared, just about finishing above Yashin award winner Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Here is the final top 10 in full…