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Lionel Messi has bowed out in style, having won what may be his final Ballon d’Or award.

Messi has said it’s the end of an era for himself, and has backed the next generation to take over.

Having hailed the trio of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, Messi also backed Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal for the award in future.

“It [the Ballon d’Or] could be hotly contested in the coming years with players like Haaland, Mbappe and Vinicius Jr,” Messi told the media after winning his 8th Ballon d’Or award.

“There are lots of young players that will fight for the Ballon d’Or. I also think about Lamine Yamal, who is still very young but who has already played very well with Barcelona and has become an important player.

“There will certainly be others who will fight for it as well with other players yet to appear. There will be a new era.”