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Messi world’s best for 3rd straight year

Comment: 0 January 10th, 2012 by: admin

AS expected, Lionel Messi is on top of the football world again.

The Argentine superstar captured the FIFA Ballon d’Or award for the third straight year on Monday and further affirmed his reputation as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Messi, 24, won over his Barcelona teammate Xavi Hernandez and rival Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid in claiming the game’s most prestigious individual honour.

He accepted the trophy from no less than another three-time winner, former Brazil forward Ronaldo.

“It’s a huge pleasure for me,’’ said the Barca and Argentina striker as he proudly clutched the award.. “It’s the third time I get this and it’s a huge honour.’’

With his prolific scoring prowess and unselfish creative plays, Messi helped Barca to snare five trophies last year, including the Champions League, Spanish League and Club World Cup.

In the 21-year-history of the event, Messi became the first man to bag three successive world player awards. Zinedine Zidane of France has three FIFA player awards under his belt.

Messi was the hands-down choice to nail a triple. He got 47.88 percent of the points in votes cast by national team coaches and captains, including invited journalists who chose from an original shortlist of 23 players.

Ronaldo received 21.6 per cent to land second while Xavi was third for the third consecutive year with 9.23 per cent.

Acknowledging Xavi, Messi said: “This one is very special because I want to share this with my friend and teammate Xavi. He deserves it.’’

Barcelona also outshone Real Madrid in the men’s coaching award as Pep Guardiola beat Jose Mourinho and Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson for the trophy.

Both Ronaldo and Mourinho were not present in the ceremonies at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland because Madrid have a Tuesday match in the Spanish Cup at Malaga.

In the women’s award, Brazil forward Marta saw her five-year-reign come to an end as Japan’s Homare Sawa became world’s best this time, while Norio Sasaki was voted best coach of a women’s team.

Brazilian Neymar’s solo goal in Santos’ 4-5 loss against Flamengo last July won as most beautiful goal of the year, denying Messi a second award of the night.

Getting the FIFA’s Fair Play award was the Japan Football Association for their response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck last March. The JFA also hosted Barcelona’s Club World Cup victory last December.

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