Legendary footballer, Lionel Messi, has reportedly already been told he has won a record sixth Ballon d’Or award.

It is also being claimed that a delegation from the organisers, France Football magazine, have already travelled to Barcelona to tell him.

Even though the ceremony isn’t until December 2, Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claims that the 32-year-old has beaten off competition from Cristiano Ronaldo and Virgil van Dijk.

It means the Argentinian will win the prestigious award for the first time since 2015.

The attacker won his 10th La Liga title for Barcelona, scoring 36 goals and bagging 13 assists along the way.

Messi faced tough competition, not only from Ronaldo but van Dijk who has had an outstanding year with Liverpool.