Messi sets record by winning sixth Ballon d'Or

Juventus' forward Cristiano Ronaldo had also been shortlisted for the award, but did not attend the ceremony.

Megan Rapinoe won the Ballon d'Or for the best female player of the year. She led the United States to win the World Cup in France in July.

The 34-year-old Rapinoe also won the FIFA Women's Player of the Year award, and she won the Golden Boot for being top scorer and the Golden Ball for the best player at the World Cup.