Messi, who this summer left Spanish club Barcelona, where he had spent his entire senior club career, now plays for French side Paris Saint-Germain, and has so far scored once in his seven appearances for the team.

The 34-year-old, who won the Copa America this year with Argentina, had previously won the Ballon d'Or in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019.

The prize was not awarded last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, meaning Messi has won it twice in a row.

After winning the award, voted for by 180 journalists around the world, for a seventh time, Messi said it felt "incredible."

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who plays for German side Bayern Munich, finished in second place, with Italian midfielder Jorginho, who plays in England with Chelsea, finishing third.

The Women's Ballon d'Or award went to Spanish midfielder Putellas, who plays for Barcelona.

Putellas helped Barcelona to a domestic double of the Primera Division and Copa de la Reina this year, and also captained the club as they won the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2021.

It was the first time Putellas had been nominated for the award, which she claimed ahead of Barcelona and Spain team mate Jennifer Hermoso.

Third place went to Australian forward Sam Kerr, who plays in England with Chelsea.

Four more awards were handed out at the glittering ceremony, held at the Theatre du Chatelet.

Polish striker Lewandowski, runner-up for the men’s Ballon d'Or, won striker of the year while Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain won goalkeeper of the year.

Spanish midfielder Pedri, 19, who plays for Barcelona was named young player of the year while English team Chelsea, who won the UEFA Champions League this year, won the team of the year honour.