The former Prime Minister of Spain, Mariano Rajoy, believes Real Madrid's only hope is if Lionel Messi leaves LaLiga for... Australia!

The Barcelona star was this evening named the Ballon d'Or winner for 2019 - for the sixth time.

"The future of Real Madrid depends on Messi going to play in Australia," Rajoy explained in a book promotion with EFE.

Rajoy added: "I like all sports, and I like to read MARCA.

"Although this fact seems to irritate some people to a extraordinary level, which must make their own reading very restrictive."