Sport: Lionel Messi wins Ballon d'Or for the 5th time. See photo of his Son, Thiago acknowledging the milestone with his five fingers. [SEE MORE PHOTOS]

Lionel Messi's son Thiago appeared to be one of the first to acknowledge his fifth Ballon d'Or crown

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Lionel Messi scooped his fifth Ballon d'Or crown after beating Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar to the gong - and his son Thiago appeared to be one of the first to acknowledge the impressive feat.  Messi followed up on his achievement in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 to reclaim the crown from Real Madrid rival Ronaldo, who came second in the vote.  When the Barcelona star went up to collect his award, Thiago was clearly delighted with his father's achievement as he held up five fingers illustrating the number of times his dad has won the award.

Messi poses with the Ballon d'Or award after claiming the gong for the fifth time in his career on Monday night


Real Madrid star Ronaldo greets Messi's partner Antonella Roccuzzo at Kongresshaus as Neymar looks on

The youngster was present alongside his mother and Messi's long-term partner Antonella Roccuzzo, and proudly cheered his dad on after he was announced as the 2015 winner.

He was also pictured joking around with the Barcelona superstar's team-mate Dani Alves, who enjoyed making the three-year-old laugh.

Messi holds his son Thiago as Dani Alves jokes around with the youngster backstage following the ceremony

The 28-year-old and his son were sent into fits of laughter after Alves pretended to bite the youngster's finger

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'I want to thank all my team-mates as without them none of this would be possible. I also want to thank football for everything, both the good and the bad. It has made me learn.'

Messi kisses his three-year-old son on the cheek after collecting the fifth Ballon d'Or crown of his career

Messi poses for a photo alongside his long-term partner Antonella Roccuzzo at the Ballon d'Or Gala on Monday


Wayne Rooney, the England and Manchester United captain, praised Messi's achievement on Twitter

Gary Lineker echoed the claims made from Gerrard that Messi is the greatest footballer ever

'The best in the world #genius,' Gerrard said on his Instagram page. 'The best ever? I think so.'

Gary Lineker was in agreement with former Liverpool captain Gerrard, saying on his Twitter page: 'The FIFA Ballon d'Or winner is the greatest footballer to ever play the game.'

Former Barcelona midfielder Luis Figo, who infamously departed the Nou Camp for Real Madrid as a player, heralded Messi for his award.

'Congratulations to Messi to the 5th Ballon d'Or,' Figo said. 'Amazing.'

Messi's former Barcelona team-mate Cesc Fabregas, now at Chelsea, said 'Congatulations! You deserve it.'

Kaka posted a picture on Twitter of him on stage with Messi as he collected his award

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Former Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielder player Luis Figo was also quick to praise Messi

Credit: Dailymail.uk