Lionel Messi won a record fifth Golden Shoe award on Tuesday having ended last season as the top goalscorer in Europe.

With 34 goals in 68 games for Barcelona, the Argentine fended off competition from Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Tottenham’s Harry Kane.

The award sees him surpass Cristiano Ronaldo who has won it four times but only managed 26 goals in 52 matches for Real Madrid last term.

“The truth is I had no idea this would happen when I started. I dreamed of playing professional football and enjoying success, I love the game, but I never imagined I would have so much,” Messi said after being presented with the prize.

“I enjoy the work, the effort, I’m at the best team in the world and play with the best team-mates in the world, so everything is easier.”

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu was at the ceremony along with Messi’s club team-mates Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto.