Lionel Messi has been named the world's best male soccer player for a record seventh time.

The Argentina and Paris St Germain star won the coveted Ballon d'Or at an awards ceremony in Paris, taking the honor ahead of Poland and Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski in second place and Italy and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho in third.

The triumph also places him further ahead for the total number of wins, with his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal and Manchester United) two behind him on five Ballon d'Ors. Ronaldo finished sixth in this year's poll.

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The award is voted for by 180 journalists from around the world, although there was no award in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Messi is largely believed to have been picked because of his exploits with his national team, rather than at club level – having guided Argentina to win the Copa America (played among South American countries), his first international trophy.

Remarkably, he is the only player from his country to win the award, which was first handed out in 1956.

By nationality, the Ballon d'Or has also gone seven times to a German, Dutch or Portuguese player.

By club, the Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid lead the way, with players from the clubs taking the honor 12 and 11 times, respectively.