Lionel Messi wins his 4th European Golden shoe award (Photos)

Barcelona icon, Lionel Messi received the European Golden Shoe award for the fourth time on Friday, after becoming the highest goalscorer across all of Europe's major leagues last season.

The 30-year-old Argentine won the prize after netting 37 times for Barcelona, drawing him level with Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

The superstar footballer won the award ahead of Dutch striker Bas Dost, who netted 34 times for Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

Messi who made it a family affair by arriving at the ceremony which held in Barcelona, with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo and their young son Thiago, was presented with the trophy by teammate Luis Suarez, who won the award in 2015-16 with 40 goals.

In his acceptance speech, he said: 'I have never considered myself a forward. I have been lucky enough to score goals,' Messi said.

'I have grown both on and off the pitch. I keep improving and adding things to my game, and I enjoy playing more and more.'