Lionel Messi receives FIFA Best Men''s Player award for fifth time - CNN

CNN — Lionel Messi received the FIFA Best Men''s Player award for a record-extending fifth time on Monday.

The 30-year-old Argentine forward won the award at a ceremony in London, beating out Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar for the top honor.

Messi has now won the award five times, having previously received it in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015. He also finished as the runner-up to Ronaldo last year and was a finalist again this year before taking home the top prize.

The Barcelona star had an incredible year with both club and country, scoring goals at a record-breaking rate and helping Argentina reach the final of the Copa America tournament.

"I''m very happy," Messi said in a statement released by FIFA. "It''s an honor to receive this award for the fifth time. I want to thank my family, teammates, coaches, and fans who have supported me throughout my career."

The Best Men''s Player is chosen from nominees selected by football fans worldwide through online voting and a panel of international media representatives.

Messi has long been considered one of the greatest players in the history of soccer, and his record-tying fifth FIFA Best award solidifies that status. He finished behind only Ronaldo in the Ballon d''Or voting last year but bounced back this time around to claim top honors.

Ronaldo also received an award on Monday, finishing as a runner-up to Messi for the Best Men''s Player prize and receiving the FIFA Best Male Fan Engagement award for his support of Real Madrid fans.