- The 2019 Ballon d'Or award saw Lionel Messi emerge winner for a record sixth time
- The Argentine made history as he beat Van Dijk and Ronaldo to the prestigious prize
- Messi has now tipped Kylian Mbappe to win the next edition of the award
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi believes Paris Saint Germain forward Kylian Mbappe stands a better chance to win Ballon d'Or award next year.
The Argentine beat his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk to win his sixth award.
Dutchman Van Dijk was the first runner up while former Real Madrid star ended up third on the top three starts on the chart this year.
Mbappe, who has scored 70 goals and has 36 assists in 100 appearances across competitions for PSG finished sixth on the top 10 shortlist.
The Argentine turns 33 this June and has set his eyes on winning more of the prestigious awards in the coming years but also tipped Mbappe to win the coveted prize.
“I could not imagine it. I would never have thought of winning even one," Messi told L’Equipe.
“But I am very happy. It’s a recognition that makes me proud. Maybe I will win more. Maybe, I do not know when. “Kylian Mbappe could too. Surely he’s a great player," he added.
Messi has scored 11 goals and five assists in 14 appearances for Barcelona across competitions so far this campaign despite starting the season about six weeks late.
