Lionel Messi Receives Fourth Golden Shoe as Europe’s Top Scorer

Messi was presented with the trophy by teammate Luis Suarez, who won the trophy last season.

FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi poses with his four Golden Shoe awards.

(Photo: AP)

Lionel Messi received his fourth Golden Shoe award on 24 November, Friday for leading all of Europe's leagues in scoring last season.

It was the fourth time the Barcelona forward has received the honor, drawing him even with Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo as the award record-holders.

The FC Barcelona legend scored 37 in the Spanish league La Liga, beating out Dutch striker Bas Dost, who netted 34 for Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese league.

The 30-year-old Messi also led Europe's league in scoring in 2009-10 (34), 2011-12 (50 goals) and 2012-13 (46 goals).

Messi was presented with the trophy by teammate Luis Suarez, who won the award in 2015-16 with 40. Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets also attended the ceremony in Barcelona.

FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi receives his Golden Shoe award from his teammate Luis Suarez.(Photo: AP)

Messi thanked his teammates for helping him score so many goals, while also saying that he enjoys playing more than ever, 13 years since his debut with Barcelona's first team.

Lionel Messi poses with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo and their son Thiago. (Photo: AP)

I have never considered myself a forward. I have been lucky enough to score goals. I have grown both on and off the pitch. I keep improving and adding things to my game, and I enjoy playing more and more.

Lionel Messi

Messi, Ronaldo, and Suarez have divvied up the prize for the past nine years.

The only time a non-Spanish league player won the Golden Shoe in the last decade was when Suarez shared the prize with Ronaldo while playing for Liverpool in 2013-14.

The Golden Shoe is awarded by European Sports Media, an association of European sports newspaper and magazines.

Here are the top three goals scored by Messi last year:

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