The Argentine forward was named as the best player in the world during a glittering ceremony in Paris on Monday after getting the most votes from his peers.
It is the second time in his career that he has won the award and stopped Robert Lewandowski from taking the trophy home for the third year in succession.
After the ceremony, the voting totals were announced with an intriguing development having been confirmed by FIFA.
All national team captains got the opportunity to vote and that would have been Ronaldo - the veteran forward leading his nation on 136 occasions throughout his career.
He did not take responsibility this time around with FIFA revealing that former Real Madrid star Pepe instead voted on behalf of the Portugal national side.
And he selected Messi’s PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe as his pick, while former colleagues Luka Modric and Benzema claimed second and third place respectively.
Meanwhile, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez gave his votes to Ronaldo’s rival Messi, while Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne and PSG forward Mbappe followed.
The Argentine star in the meantime voted for his PSG colleagues Neymar and Mbappe, while his third choice was Real Madrid's Benzema.
And, Ronaldo - the winner of the first two FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year awards - was not eligible to receive any votes this time around after not receiving a nomination.
The 38-year-old has enjoyed an good start to life with Saudi outfit Al-Nassr with eight goals in his first six competitive games for his new club after his departure from Manchester United.
Speaking after the award, Messi responded with an emotional speech. Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, he said: “Wow, it's amazing. It's been a tremendous year and it's an honour for me to be here tonight and win this award.
“Without my team-mates I wouldn't be here. I achieved the dream I had been hoping for for so long. Very few people can achieve that and I have been lucky to do so.”
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