Stars line up to laud Messi

After Lionel Messi claimed his fifth FIFA Ballon d’Or at Zurich’s Kongresshaus on Monday 11 January, the footballing world rushed to congratulate the 28-year-old on his incredible achievement. Among those piling praise on the FC Barcelona and Argentina forward were the ones most familiar with his ability – his team-mates – who are able to witness his sheer talent firsthand on the training pitch and on matchday.

FIFA.com rounds up the reactions from Messi’s club and international team-mates, who took to Twitter to congratulate their colleague, after he was voted by national team captains, coaches and journalists as 2015’s best player.

Un honor para mi poder disfrutar a tu lado en el campo y ahora en el palco   eres grande y eres mi ídolo! #Messi pic.twitter.com/ySgjqreW87

— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) January 11, 2016

“An honour for me to enjoy being by your side on the field and now on the stage. You’re great and my idol.”
Fellow 2015 Ballon d’Or nominee and Barcelona attack partner Neymar paid tribute to his ‘idol’ at the Gala. 

¡Felicidades Leo por tu 5️⃣#BallondOr! Y a Alves, Iniesta y Neymar por estar en el FIFA FIFPro 2015 y a Luis Enrique pic.twitter.com/ENm9mkKdH3

— Ivan Rakitic (@ivanrakitic) January 11, 2016

“Congratulations Leo on your five Ballon d’Ors. And Alves, Iniesta and Neymar for being in the FIFA/FIFPro Ivan Rakitic, and Luis Enrique.”
Barcelona and Croatia’s Ivan Rakitic saluted Messi’s historic fifth Ballon d’Or award, while not forgetting team-mates Dani Alves, Andreas Iniesta and Neymar who were named in the FIFA/FIFPro World XI 2015, and manager Luis Enrique after he was named FIFA Men’s Football Coach of the Year. 

Amigo, no hacía falta que te hicieras más de 2.000 km para saber que eres el mejor del mundo y de la historia !! pic.twitter.com/9zNx2r92JZ

— Jordi Alba (@JordiAlba) January 11, 2016

“Friend, you did not have to travel more than 2,000 kilometres to know you’re the best in the world and the best in history.”
Defender Jordi Alba hailed Messi as one of the beautiful game’s all-time greats.  

Felicitaciones Leo por tu 5to balón de oro! A que no te animás a ganar 7 jaja #Messi pic.twitter.com/wluSwfAheF

— Ezequiel Lavezzi (@PochoLavezzi) January 11, 2016

“Congratulations Leo on your 5th Ballon d’Or! Do you dare to win seven? #Messi.”
Argentina’s Ezequiel Lavezzi lays down a challenge for his international team-mate. 

Only one #Messi congratulations, well deserved @leomessi #ballondOr pic.twitter.com/InkmA1Z4ky

— Erik Manuel Lamela (@ErikLamela) January 11, 2016

Another Argentinean – this time in the form of Erik Lamela – revealed his delight at Messi’s Ballon d’Or triumph. 

5 #BallondOr ! El més gran! Te lo mereces #messi !! pic.twitter.com/m4tZujYDhk

— Sergi Roberto (@SergiRoberto10) January 11, 2016

“5 Ballon d’Ors! The best! You deserve it #messi.”
Sergi Roberto hailed Messi as ‘the best’ while congratulating him on his ‘deserved’ award. 

Quinto Balón de Oro!!! Espectacular! El mejor de la historia del fútbol, sin duda. Felicidades Leo!!! #BallondOr pic.twitter.com/fQl2tQMxZK

— Marc Bartra (@MarcBartra) January 11, 2016

“Fifth Ballon d’Or! Spectacular! The best in football history, no doubt. Congratulations Leo.”
Barcelona defender Marc Bartra paid tribute to a player he feels is one of the all-time greats.

Congratulations Leo for being number 1 in the world for the 5th time. pic.twitter.com/vbPwTjtj6Y

— Thomas Vermaelen (@thomasvermaelen) January 11, 2016

Thomas Vermaelen echoed the sentiments of his Barcelona team-mates. 

And a living legend. The genius. #BallondOr winner for the 5th time. Lionel Messi. I am deeply honered to be a part of this family.

— Arda Turan (@ArdaTuran) January 11, 2016

Attacking midfielder and Turkey international Arda Turan expresses his appreciation of a ‘living legend.’ 

Congratulations to #Messi @neymarjr @andresiniesta8 @DaniAlvesD2 for the awards tonight! ⚽️ #BallondOr pic.twitter.com/nvakUzEBYN

— Marc ter Stegen (@mterstegen1) January 11, 2016

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc Ter Stegen added in his Twitter video: “Congratulations Leo on winning your record fifth Ballon d’Or, you really deserve it.”

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