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Lionel Messi became the protagonist of the 'Ballon d'Or' given to the best footballer of the year. The 7th award, the most in history, widened the gap with rival Ronaldo to two.
Correspondent Lee Jeong-chan.
<Reporter> As the
world's top soccer stars gathered in Paris, France, Messi was once again called the brightest star.
Messi, who went on stage to celebrate his three sons who look alike, received his 7th Ballon d'Or trophy from his 'best friend' Suarez as a presenter.
After breaking the record for the most awards he had ever held, he lit the Eiffel Tower by himself, illuminating the night sky of Paris.
Messi was the top scorer in the Spanish league last season, and even in the Argentina national team, which had no relationship with the championship, he solved the 'one of a major military officer' by winning the South American championship.
[Lionel Messi / Paris Saint-Germain striker: I received this award earlier, but I always felt that something was lacking. But after a long time of challenge and failure, I realized my dream, and I finally did it.]
Lewandowski, the best goalkeeper
, was defeated
by Messi this year after the awards ceremony was canceled due to COVID-19 last year, when he was most likely to win the award.
[Lionel Messi/Paris Saint-Germain striker: It was an honor to compete with Lewandowski. You are fully qualified.]
Ronaldo, who finished sixth and was pushed out of third place in 11 years, did not attend the awards ceremony and refuted the organizer's claim that "I want to receive more Ballon d'Or than Messi" as a 'lie'.
(Video editing: Kim Byung-jik, CG: Kang Kyung-rim·Lim Chan-hyuk)