‘Special’: Lionel Messi speaks after winning record seventh Ballon d’Or

Lionel Messi has reacted to winning his record seventh Ballon d'Or, describing the award as "really special".

The Paris Saint-Germain forward beat Robert Lewandowski to the prize, while Chelsea midfielder Jorginho finished third in the voting.

"This trophy is really special. It gives me a feeling of accomplishment with the Argentine national team," Messi said, referencing his nation's Copa America victory last summer.

"It was indeed a special year for me and of course it helped me in this new stage of my life."

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