The 28-year-old won his fifth Ballon d’Or in Zurich on Monday and at the ceremony he told reporters that he would ideally complete his playing days at Barca, where his current contract ends in 2018. My intention is to terminate my career where I started it in Barcelona.
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“You all know I’m this man’s sister, and above all how much proud I am to be so, and to know the wonderful and fighting person he is”, Katia Aveiro wrote in a lengthy statement posted on Twitter.
Messi and Neymar helped Barca win the Primera Division, Copa del Rey and Champions League treble in 2015, plus the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
“It’s a very special moment to be back here, winning another Ballon d’Or”, he said.
“And lastly, I want to thank football for everything it has brought me – both the bad and the good – because it has made me grow and learn always”.
“Yes, I’ve always said that [I would like to play in Argentina]”, he said.
“Messi winning the Ballon d’Or is a great triumph for Barcelona, our supporters and mainly, Leo himself”.
By comparison, it was a turbulent season for Ronaldo – world player of the year in 2008, 2013 and 2014 – and Real Madrid as they played second fiddle to their arch rivals despite a contribution of 54 goals in 52 games from their Portuguese talisman.
1 – Messi is the only player to have won more than three FIFA Ballon d’Or awards, his latest success following his wins in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Messi opened the scoring as Barcelona crowned a stellar 2015 by beating River Plate in the Club World Cup final last month and he conceded that helping to defeat an Argentinian club was an unusual feeling.
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Former Dutch and Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert called Messi the “best football player” ever and also named his former club the “best team” in the world. ‘I thank my family and all those who voted for me.
