Messi named world's best

Argentine recognised as greatest player in the last 12 months

Last updated: 22nd December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Messi named world's best

Messi: Ends year on high note

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Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi has been named the Fifa World Player of the Year for 2009.

The 22-year-old landed the Ballon d'Or for his dazzling displays for Barca, who won an unprecedented Treble of the Primera Liga, UEFA Champions League and the Copa del Rey last season.

And Messi, who recently helped Barca win the Club World Cup, has now been recognised as the best player on the planet by fellow professionals.

He said: "I would like to thank all the colleagues who voted for me. It is a great honour to get this award as this comes from colleagues from other teams.

"This means that a magnificent year for Barcelona ends in a magnificent way for me and Barcelona."

Last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi's Barcelona team-mates Andres Iniesta and Xavi, and Brazil midfielder Kaka were the other contenders.

Comments (22)

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Arshad Asmal (Manchester United fan) says...

To say the truth he has been the most consistent player in the world in the last 3 years!!! As much as i admired Ronnie if i was a manager the first player on my team sheet id want is LIONEL MESSI! He has to b from a different planet!! Or he must hav magnets in his boots, his close control and dribbling is out ov this world!! Iv seen GIGGS dribbling but this guy is something else!! He can also pik a pas out from anywhere on the pitch!!! He is also a world class playmaker who can play in many possitions assist and score goals and is not too bad at heading for someone whos 5'6!! I Disagree with people hu say hes up their with zidane, pele, maradonna and cruyff!! He has to win the world cup for argentina which the past players hav, Zidane nearly did it single handedly twice, thats why i rate him ahead ov Maradonna!!! When he does this once or twice then he will hav his name alongside these legends!! Hes also very down to earth and a team player which ronnie will never be thats why messi will always be ahead ov him!! He has a very good football brain and knows how to get the best out ov himself and his teammates all the time!! He just doesnt run with the ball like a headless chicken into trouble!!! Hes only 22 and if he carries on lyk this for another decade, just say u were lucky to see him in ur lifetime, he is unique!!!

Posted 15:16 22nd December 2009

Sam Malale (Liverpool fan) says...

Hail the wizard! Total football has won. I personally suffer depression when Messi gets injured, the sport needs such talent. His seemingly quet nature makes him more likable, He is no referee bully, goes about his work artistically, oblivious of hacking boots and all, I admire BARCA's style very much. Wish Messi more glory! I also wish English Academies could emulate what Spain is doing with youth, although of course Benitez has failed to do same at Melwood for six years....ahem...

Posted 14:19 22nd December 2009

Rahman Bawa (Barcelona fan) says...

Barca more than a club! Messi beyond comparison! Just as Messi pefectly replaced Ronaldihno, Barca should start looking beyond the present

Posted 13:59 22nd December 2009

Lesley Mackintosh (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

Well done Messi ! The best player by miles ! You thouroughly deserve the title of World's Best Player, absolutely brilliant !

Posted 13:50 22nd December 2009

Paul Bishop says...

You know he was born holding a football! I watch him play and see a little bambino dribbling through the streets....he does it coz he loves it! Sets him on a tier above the likes of Ronaldo.

Posted 13:25 22nd December 2009

Kyle K (Celtic fan) says...

Lionel Messi... More than just a player, who plays for more than just a club. He is a sublime player and definately deserves the award!

Posted 13:12 22nd December 2009

Nick Majer (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

Over recent years its always the most effective player, who wins the Champions League that season, that will get the award. Ronaldo, Kaka, Ronadinho all lifted the Champions League trophy before receiving the honour of being known as the worlds best. If Man U won the Champions League last year, Ronaldo would of scooped the award again. But Messi's headed goal in the final v Man U was the moment that he over took Christiano, for that season at least... Drogba is a powerhouse, explosive, effective, and also the biggest pansy premadonna on the face of the planet. Cut out the theatrics and stick to banging them in. Win the Champions league Didi and you've got a chance...

Posted 11:37 22nd December 2009

Yonas Birhane (Arsenal fan) says...

I agree with Messi selection but What should more than this Drogba do to become Fifa World Player of the year. Atleast he must be in dream team.

Posted 10:37 22nd December 2009

Anderson Banda says...

Lionel Messi deserved to be named the World's Best player of the year for 2009 because of his outstanding performance. I wish he was playing for the club I support (ie CHELSEA FC). Nevertheless Congratulations Messi Hope you will continue with your excellent form so that we can also continue enjoying in this World Of Football.

Posted 10:06 22nd December 2009

Abiola Ososanya (Manchester United fan) says...

Messi is without a doubt the best. He can beat players with a single slight movement. He has an uncanny ability to anticipate his markers movement and beat them with consumate ease. When he runs with the ball, its like its glued to his feet. He can also pass and score goals. His play is truly phenomenal. He will dominate football for as long as he plays.

Posted 09:49 22nd December 2009

John Kadundo (Manchester United fan) says...

No question, he deserves it!

Posted 09:35 22nd December 2009

Kim mweemba Mbewe (Manchester United fan) says...

I think Messi deserves the award.he has shown brilliance throughout the year and am happy that he got it.i would just love fifa to come up with a separate award for the best goalkeeper and receive the same accolades.keepers are often overlooked because they are not usually in the thick of things.Its only fair that we have a FIFA World Goalkeeper of the Year.

Posted 07:22 22nd December 2009

Aiden Delport (Liverpool fan) says...

Finally Messi wins it, he has been the most consistent of all the stars, never gets the plaudits he so deserves, I hope we can have Torres fit for an entire season, who knows? Maybe he might be up there for this award. Nevertheless, well done Messi, you deserve it, you are well on your way to reaching Legend status. YNWA!!!

Posted 05:49 22nd December 2009

Tony Bowling (Manchester United fan) says...

I watched Messi recently and what impressed me is that he wanted the ball even if he had 2 - 3 opposition players right on top of him and when he got the ball in such a position he easily either passed the ball off or made space for himself. The ball was never a hot potato for him. It must incredibly useful to have a fellow player who you can pass the ball to under almost any circumstance. He would be my first pick.

Posted 02:20 22nd December 2009

Adnan Hussain (Liverpool fan) says...

He will probably go down as the greatest player ever.. He's definately up there with maradona, pele, zidane, beckenbauer etc and his only 22 years old! Hats off..

Posted 01:10 22nd December 2009

Dave S (Manchester United fan) says...

Why are all the best players that could have been voted for in the spanish 1st division? Surely drogba (and i an not a chelsea fan) and others should have been nominated?

Posted 23:09 21st December 2009

Daph Walker says...

Messi is the ultimate definition of football. it's a worthy prize to the right and incomparable player in this type of trade.

Posted 22:38 21st December 2009

Usman Khan says...

He deserves it 100%.

Posted 22:12 21st December 2009

Xolani Mahlangeni says...

No brainer me thinks

Posted 22:00 21st December 2009

C Grathwohl (Manchester United fan) says...

Based on last years form I would agree but it is still a very close race between him and Ronaldo. This year Ronnie's got him and everyone else for that matter, switched to La Liga and still is a goal machine and noticably improves RM when he plays. One only needs to look at my beloved Man United this year to see how good a player Ronaldo is.

Posted 21:30 21st December 2009
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