Casillas baffled by Ballon d'Or outcome

Leo Messi lifted his seventh Ballon d'Or in Paris on Monday - an outcome which prompted much reaction and debate on social media. From Karim Benzema's post on Instagram to a tweet from Iker Casillas. The former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper gave his thoughts on this year's edition of the award, won for the second time running by Messi: "I am finding it harder and harder to believe in these football awards. For me, Messi, is one of the five best players in the history of the game but we need to rank players in terms of those stood out over the course of a season. It's not that difficult for god's sake! Other people make it difficult!"

Messi picked up his seventh Ballon d'Or this week to add to those he won in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019. He was accompanied on the podium by Robert Lewandowski who finished second and Jorginho in third. Karim Benzema ended in fourth place while Cristiano came in sixth. Lewandowski, one of the favourites, ended last season with 41 goals breaking Gerd Müller's Bundesliga record for goals in a single season and collecting the Golden Shoe. Jorginho meanwhile was instrumental in Italy's triumph at Euro 2020.

Messi gained 613 points in voting ahead of the 580 points which the Bayern Munich striker polled and the 460 points which the Chelsea midfielder polled. Benzema came in fourth with 239 points.