ENTERTAINMENT
Messi Scoops Record Seventh Ballon d’Or
Argentina’s Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or award for the best player in the world for a record-stretching seventh time on Monday, beating Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho to lift soccer’s most prestigious trophy.
The forward added to his 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019 trophies after winning the Copa America for the first time with his country in July.
“It’s incredible to be here again. Two years ago I thought it was the last time. Winning the Copa America was key,” Messi said at Paris’s Theatre du Chatelet.
“It is a special year for me with this Copa America title. It meant a lot to win at the Maracana stadium and I was so happy to celebrate with the people from Argentina.
“I don’t know if it’s the best year of my life, I’ve had a long career, but it was a special one with the title with Argentina after the tough times and the criticism.”
Messi, who joined Paris St Germain on a free transfer from Barcelona during the close season after finishing as La Liga’s top scorer with the Spanish club, collected 613 points, with Bayern Munich’s Lewandowski, named best striker on Monday, getting 580.
Jorginho, who won the Champions League with Chelsea and the European championship with Italy, ended up third on 460, ahead of France’s Karim Benzema and Ngolo Kante in fourth and fifth places respectively.
Chelsea, named club of the year, also had keeper Edouard Mendy finishing second in the Yashin trophy behind Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The women’s Ballon d’Or went to Alexia Putellas after the Spain midfielder guided Barcelona to Champions League glory.
“The key moment was the Champions League final against Olympique Lyonnais,” she said.
Putellas is the third winner of the Ballon d’Or Feminin after Ada Hegerberg in 2018 and Megan Rapinoe in 2019.
There was no ceremony last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
On a good night for Barcelona, 19-year-old Pedri was awarded the Kopa trophy for the best Under-21 player.
“The best way to celebrate turning 19 is receiving this award. I’d like to thank everyone at Barcelona for helping me here,” he said.
Isoko North Boss Hails Oborevwori’s Gender-friendly and Inclusive Approach to Governance
Delta Police Enforces Traffic Laws, to Charge Offenders to Mobile Court
Integrity Over Politics: Why Delta North Needs Ned Nwoko, a Leader with a Clean Record
BREAKING: DSS Slams el-Rufai With 3-count Charges at FHC for ‘intercepting’ NSA Ribadu’s Phone Conversation
Tinubu Deploys Shettima-led FG Delegation to Kano Over Biggest Market Fire Disaster
Crisis Rocks Delta North APC as Ward Chairmen Demand Suspension of Congress Over Alleged Imposition
Delta APC Leaders Petition Warri South West LGA Over Alleged Imposition, Constitutional Violations by Ward Chairman
N’Delta Coalition Calls for Immediate Arrest, Probe of El-Rufai Over NSA Phone Tapping Claim
Tinubu, Oborevwori Rally Support for Nigeria’s Police at Asaba Police Games Opening
Troops Sustains Offensive Pressure, Kills Score of Terrorists, Recover Arms, Logistics Items
Delta Community Pays “Thank You Visit” to Council Boss
I’ll Be President But I stand for PBAT and Gov Oborevwori’s Re-election 2027 – Ex-Minister Orubebe
Oborevwori Eulogies Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom on 18th Coronation Anniversary
Oborevwori Hails Ex-Vanguard Editor, Mideno Bayagbon at 65
