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Megan Rapinoe calls on Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo to help in fight for equality

USWNT international Megan Rapinoe has urged male superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to do more to tackle issues such as racism and sexism in modern football.

The 34-year-old won the female Ballon d'Or award -- only the second in history -- on Monday after winning the World Cup, Golden Boot and Golden Ball.

Speaking with organisers France Football after her triumph, Rapinoe challenged Ronaldo, Messi and Ibrahimovic to follow her lead and be more active against problems in the sport.

"I want to shout: 'Cristiano [Ronaldo], Lionel [Messi], Zlatan [Ibrahimovic], help me!