The debate about who is better, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo was answered -- for one night anyways -- as the Barcelona forward was named the top player in world football.
Messi sets record by claiming fifth Ballon d'Or
The Argentinian putting an end to Ronaldo's two-year reign, as the Messi picked up his record fifth ballon d'or. The generational talent, beating out the Real forward and teammate Neymar to earn the honour.
James Nesbitt was hosting the gala event in Zurich, and even posed for a selfie with the male and female nominees for the top award. And after the fun, former player of the year Kaka read out the name of this year's winner -- which was the incomparable Lionel Messi. The Argentinian received around 41 percent of the total votes in a 23-candidate ballot, Ronaldo receiving nearly 28 percent with Neymar getting around eight percent.
Messi then went on stage to collect his trophy from the Brazilian Kaka, and that ends Ronaldo's two-year reign as the world footballer of the year.
Messi sets record by claiming fifth Ballon d'Or
"It's a very special moment for me to be back here on this stage, winning another Ballon d'Or after watching Cristiano Ronaldo win the award for the last two years. It's incredible that it's my fifth," he said.
And this latest award just adds to the honours Messi has received. The Argentine striker was FIFA World Player of the Year from 2009 to 2012. After Ronaldo broke his streak to take the award the past two years, but Messi was able to beat his Portugeuse rival and becomes the first footballer to win the award five times.
