Topics: Lionel Messi, Virgil Van Dijk, Cristiano Ronaldo, Barcelona, Liverpool, Juventus, Ballon d'Or
According to reports, he has already been informed of the news and will head to the December 02 gala to pick up his sixth Ballon d'Or.

The 2019 Ballon d’Or Gala is roughly a week away from now but according to reports coming out of Spain, a winner has already been crowned. That man is none other than Lionel Messi.

This is according to Mundo Deportivo who claim a team from France Football, the magazine behind this prestigious prize, have sent a team to Spain to inform the Argentine icon. If true, this will be his sixth Ballon d’Or prize, making him the all-time record holder for most wins – he’s currently tied with Cristiano Ronaldo on five wins each.

The 32-year-old is among the three favorites, the other two being long-time rival Ronaldo and Virgil Van Dijk. Having already been named The Best FIFA Men’s Player of the Year back in September, this would be an excellent way to finish off an impressive individual year.

According to Mundo, Messi has already won the 2019 Ballon d'Or

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Virgil Van Dijk, Barcelona, Juventus, Liverpool, Ballon d'Or

In 2018/19, he scored 36 goals and added another 13 assists in 36 Spanish Primera Division appearances to lift his 10th La Liga title. The Argentine also finished as the top scorer in the Champions League despite bowing out of the tournament in the semi-finals.

This report should be taken with a pinch of salt, as Mundo Deportivo is a Barcelona-based newspaper that could easily be exhibiting a bias for the most iconic player to have graced the club. However, beIN Sports correspondent Tancredi Palmeri also claims that Leo has won the 2019 Ballon d’Or, citing a “very well informed” source for his information.

Given that France Football features the winner on the cover of their magazine, which is prepared prior to the official announcement, it’s plausible that Leo has been informed. This decision will understandably be met with mixed reactions.

Many feel Van Dijk had the best season and is thus most deserving of the award, including Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp. Cristiano also has his fair share of supporters that will point to La Pulga’s shortcomings in the Copa America and Champions League to undermine his rumored triumph. All we can do now is wait until the gala on December 2 to receive official confirmation from France Football.