The Argentine has won the prize for the first time since 2013 and the fourth time in his career, having enjoyed a runaway success in the end
Lionel Messi has won the European Golden Shoe for 2016-17 after netting 37 times for Barcelona in La Liga.
It is the fourth time he has claimed the prize, having previously finished as the continent’s leading marksman in 2010, 2012 and 2013.
Great rival Cristiano Ronaldo finished 11th, having scored 25 times in the Primera Division.
The individual honour will come as small consolation to the Argentine, who saw Real Madrid win both La Liga and the Champions League as Barca claimed only the Copa del Rey in what was by their standards a disappointing campaign.