The Ballon d’Or was created by journalists, just as the European Cup - today’s Champions League - was, and came into existence in 1956 as an accompaniment to the competition.

There is no longer any doubt: Messi finding success with Argentina is becoming an even taller order, writes Alfredo Relaño.

As the final whistle blew at Cornellà, a throng of Espanyol fans invaded the pitch in the kind of choreographed jubilation not seen all season.

Just as the dust began to settle from Cristiano's hat-trick which saw Atlético eliminated on Tuesday ("God's fury" according to the ‘La Gazzetta’),