Messi awarded Ballon d'Or
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
PARIS, Dec 1 (AFP): Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Argentina Tuesday was awarded the Ballon d'Or accolade as Europe-based footballer of the year.
Messi, whom Cristiano Ronaldo beat into second place last season, easily saw off the Portuguese striker, who moved to Real Madrid from Manchester United, by 473 points to 233.
Messi got the vote for a tremendous year in which his mercurial talents stood out for Barcelona as the Catalan club marched to an unprecedented treble of Champions League - he scored against United in the final - Spanish league title and Spanish Cup.
Barca teammates were also hailed with midfielder Xavi taking third place with 170 points while Iniesta was fourth on 149.
Messi, whom Cristiano Ronaldo beat into second place last season, easily saw off the Portuguese striker, who moved to Real Madrid from Manchester United, by 473 points to 233.
Messi got the vote for a tremendous year in which his mercurial talents stood out for Barcelona as the Catalan club marched to an unprecedented treble of Champions League - he scored against United in the final - Spanish league title and Spanish Cup.
Barca teammates were also hailed with midfielder Xavi taking third place with 170 points while Iniesta was fourth on 149.