Ballon D’ Or 2019: Ronaldinho, others react as Messi beats Ronaldo, Van Dijk to win sixth award

Brazil legend, Ronaldinho has congratulated Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi after the Argentine international won the Ballon d’Or for a record sixth time on Monday night in Paris, France.

Messi beat Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk to win this year’s Ballon D’ Or.

Ronaldinho, a former teammate with Messi at Barcelona, took to his official Twitter page to describe the 32-year-old as an ‘amazing athlete’.

He wrote: “Now there are 6 my brother @leomessi Congratulations on the much deserved achievement, unfortunately, it was not possible to be with you tonight in Paris.

“But inside my heart is all affection and esteem for the amazing person you are, as an athlete, you need not speak, every game is a show !!!”

Also reacting, former Barcelona captain, Carles Puyol described Messi as an example of “passion and love for soccer.”

He wrote: “Congratulations Leo, six are already there and I’m sure you’ll still win some more … Thank you for making us enjoy so much, you are an example of passion and love for soccer.”

Barcelona team-mate, Arturo Vidal also joined: “Congratulations @leomessi You keep expanding your LEGEND, you’ll be forever the best!

And so did Carles Alena: “Congratulations Leo! You’re the number 1!!!! You deserve it!!!!!”

Arthur also got in on the act: ”I am privileged to live with and play with this genius. Congratulations, ace!”