Cristiano Ronaldo wipes away the tears after accepting the Ballon D'Or [GETTY]
Ronaldo, who was the overwhelming favourite for the accolade, emerged from Messi's shadow to clinch his first Ballon D'Or crown since 2008.
Ronaldo's phenomenal exploits in 2013 were highlighted by the fact he scored more goals (53) in La Liga and the Champions League than Messi and Ribery combined.
The ex-Manchester United favourite, who initially thought about skipping the glittering event, was suavely dressed in a dinner jacket and signed autographs for patient fans before the ceremony.
Ronaldo was also named in Fifa's World Team of the Year in a three-pronged attack with Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic but there was no place in the vaunted team for any Premier League player.
Cristiano Ronaldo signs autographs for fans before the ceremony [EPA]
Without all of their efforts this would not have been possible. I am very happy
Cristiano Ronaldo
On receiving the award, Ronaldo said: "First of all I have to say a great thanks to all of my team-mates with the club and the national team.
"Without all of their efforts this would not have been possible. I am very happy, it is very difficult to win this award.
Ronaldo was able to step out of Lionel Messi's shadow [EPA]
"Everybody that has been involved with me on a personal level I have to thank. My wife, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment. All I can say is thank you to everybody that has been involved."
The former Manchester United man also spearheaded Portugal's charge to the World Cup finals and provided 15 assists in the last calendar year.
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Cristiano Ronaldo's stats are a sight to behold [WHOSCORED.COM]