Last week, fútbol megastar Cristiano Ronaldo was named the winner of the 2016 Ballon D’or, the award given to the best soccer player in the world. It was the fourth Ballon D’or (Golden Ball) for Ronaldo, who previously won the award in 2008, 2013 and 2014. There’s one player who has more Ballon D’or trophies than Ronaldo: Lionel Messi. A five-time winner of the award, Messi put on a display this past weekend that made many wonder if he should have won the award instead of Ronaldo.
In a match versus Espanyol, Messi showed off the incredible footwork and dribbling ability that has mesmerized fans (and opposing defenders) for years.
CREDIT: Credit: BeIN Sports
Messi made four Espanyol defenders look like traffic cones:
CREDIT: Credit: BeIN Sports
Let’s look at that again. In slow motion:
CREDIT: Credit: Sky Sports
Even Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, who has seen plenty of Messi, was impressed.
CREDIT: Credit: BeIN Sports
Messi’s shot was blocked by the goalkeeper, but teammate Luis Suarez was there to slot the ball into the back of the net and make sure Messi’s effort was rewarded.
CREDIT: Credit: BeIN Sports
Later in the match, Suarez paid back Messi with a well-timed assist:
CREDIT: Credit: BeIN Sports
And the two embraced each other in celebration.
