Usain Bolt, Roger Federer and Other Stars Pay Tribute to Lionel Messi

A host of sporting superstars have come together to pay tribute to Lionel Messi after the Barcelona forward won his fifth Ballon d'Or award on Monday.

The diminutive Argentinian beat long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo and club team-mate Neymar to the award in Zurich, leading to praise and adulation from around the world (via CNN.com).

"He makes football look like me against a fifth-grader," said sprinter Usain Bolt.

"Thanks to Messi, the dreams could become real," praised former Barca president Joan Laporta.

"I have really enjoyed seeing him play, and I wish for him that he can win the World Cup with Argentina," revealed tennis star Roger Federer.

Messi played a pivotal role in Barcelona's hugely successful 2015, winning a La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League treble as well as the FIFA Club World Cup.

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard and Formula One driver Fernando Alonso also paid homage to "the best player in the world."

[h/t CNN.com]