Watch: Here’s why Lionel Messi won his fifth Ballon d’Or

Lionel Messi was announced as the winner of the Ballon d’Or on Monday. It is the fifth time he has been named FIFA’s Player of the Year.

Lionel Messi was announced as the winner of the Ballon d’Or on Monday. It is the fifth time he has been named FIFA’s Player of the Year.

In 2015, the Barcelona forward guided his club to Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey titles. During the 2014–15 season, he scored 58 goals for his club. 

No other player has won the Ballon d'Or more than three times, and it doesn’t take long to see why. Last year alone, Messi racked up more jaw-dropping plays than most world-class players have in their careers. Just take a look. 

He can humiliate any defender

This ankle-breaking dribble on Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng and ensuing chip goal in the UEFA Champions League semifinal was voted FIFA’s goal of the year for 2015. 

He can cut his way through any number of defenders

[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOX2QpfMkq4]

Messi opened the scoring in the 2015 Copa del Rey final with this incredible run.

He’s even treated like a god by opponents

'Hey @TeamMessi, bout a little selfie love!' Deshorn Brown shows admiration. #beINCopaAmerica http://t.co/hZX9zOUsjp

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) June 20, 2015

He comes through in the clutch

Lionel Messi 0:1 | Atletico Madrid - Barcelona...

by footballTV

Leo’s precise strike into the bottom corner was the lone goal in Barcelona’s 1–0 defeat of Atletico Madrid that secured the La Liga title.

He even makes practice a must-see event

[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCCkIdDXzYA]

He just toys with keepers on penalty attempts

Down goes @LuisSuarez9 & a penalty is awarded to @FCBarcelona @TeamMessi takes it 1-0 (9') #beINLaLiga ##FCBGetafe http://t.co/GfzfN1i8Ee

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) April 28, 2015

He’s automatic on free kicks

It took a bit of time but @TeamMessi breaks through for @FCBarcelona with a beauty. 1-0. #LaLiga https://t.co/vuKuG6oRQJ

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) December 12, 2015

He seems to share a brain with Neymar

Unbelievable exchange between @Neymarjr and @Teammessi and latter finishes with a tap in. 2-0 @FCBarcelona. #LaLiga https://t.co/TbjA3nLEUd

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) December 30, 2015

He can make a perfect one-touch volley pass

AND THERE IT IS!!!! @TeamMessi puts @LuisSuarez9 through and the Uruguayan slams it in. #LaLiga https://t.co/Ai2CQepIxd

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) December 5, 2015

(Sure, Suarez was offside, but still.)

He can curl the ball better than anyone

WOW. WOW. @TEAMMESSI WITH ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL BENDER. 0-1 @FCBarcelona. #beINLaLiga #SevillaFCB http://t.co/gHzomH5l9C

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) April 11, 2015

He can make the ball settle at his feet effortlessly

That's how you bring down a ball. @TeamMessi showing fabulous touch. #beINLaLiga #SevillaFCB http://t.co/5pVPzBaoJ6

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) April 11, 2015