Inside Messi’s exclusive Ballon d’Or party in Paris after landing seventh award

LIONEL MESSI celebrated his historic SEVENTH Ballon d'Or victory with an exclusive party on Monday night.

The 34-year-old Argentine scooped the gong yet again, controversially pipping Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.

It means he is now two ahead of rival Cristiano Ronaldo as the pair have won 12 of the last 13 years.

Messi was incredibly gracious in his acceptance speech, insisting Lewandowski deserves to have won the award.

After the ceremony, the former Barcelona man then attended a private party to celebrate the win.

And he was joined by a number of his Paris Saint-Germain team-mates and their partners.

Among those attending were Ander Herrera, Leandro Paredes, Marquinhos and Sergio Rico.

Atletico Madrid man Luis Suarez, who played alongside Messi at Barca, was also in attendance.

The next day Messi did not attend PSG training because he was suffering from 'symptoms of gastroenteritis'.

A club statement read: " Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes did not participate in the training session today due to symptoms of gastroenteritis.

"A further check will be made tomorrow morning."

However, Messi was fit again for Wednesday's game with Nice and received his trophy along with team-mate Gianluigi Donnurama, who won the best goalkeeper prize, before the match.

Meanwhile, a number of players have come out against Messi's Ballon d'Or victory.

Real Madrid pair Toni Kroos and Iker Casillas were among those who felt it should have gone to a different player.

And Cristiano Ronaldo liked a post which declared that Messi had stolen the award.

His Ballon d'Or triumph comes off the back of winning Copa America with Argentina - the country's first major trophy in 28 years.

He also netted 38 times in 44 games for Barcelona last season.

But the Argentine has only featured in seven of new club PSG's 15 league matches so far this season.

His fitness issues have been a concern as he has already suffered several niggling problems.

He has netted four goals in 11 games in all competitions since arriving in Paris.