Milan: After winning the Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year for a record sixth time, Argentine striker Lionel Messi said it has been a long time without winning an individual prize for him. The striker outclassed Portugal/Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo and Netherlands/Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk to win the award.

This award marks first major individual honour for Messi since winning his fifth Ballon d'Or in 2015. "It has been a long time without winning an individual prize. It is good to have this award," Goal.com quoted Messi as saying. Messi had led Barcelona La Liga title last season, his 10th since joining the club. He scored 51 goals across 50 appearances for the Spanish side, marking his 10th consecutive season with at least 40 finishes.