The Barcelona and Argentina forward received the FIFA Ballon d'Or award for 2011 on Monday, beating his teammate Xavi Hernandez and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid."It's a huge pleasure for me... and it's a huge honour," Messi said, after accepting the trophy from another three-time winner - former Brazil forward Ronaldo.
Messi's prolific scoring and unselfish creative play inspired Barcelona to win five trophies last year including the Champions League, Spanish League and Club World Cup.
He is the first man to win three straight FIFA world player awards in the honour's 21-year history. Zinedine Zidane of France also won three FIFA player awards.
"This one is very special because I want to share this with my friend and teammate Xavi . He deserves it," Messi said.
On a night of Barcelona dominance, the Catalan club inflicted another defeat on its great rival Madrid in the men's coaching award.
On a night of Barcelona dominance, the Catalan club inflicted another defeat on its great rival Madrid in the men's coaching award.
Barca's Pep Guardiola was chosen ahead of Madrid's Jose Mourinho and Alex Ferguson of Manchester United.
Pep Guardiola
In the women's award, Homare Sawa of Japan ended Brazil forward Marta's five-year rule as the world's best player.
Sawa led Japan to win the 2011 Women's World Cup and adds the FIFA prize to her tournament best player and top scorer trophies.
Ferguson received some reward for losing the coach's prize, getting the FIFA presidential award from Sepp Blatter to recognise his 25 years as manager at Old Trafford.
Japan collected three of the seven awards.
Norio Sasaki and Homare Sawa (Image: Getty Image)
Norio Sasaki was named best coach of a women's team for his work guiding Japan to its World Cup title.
The Japan Football Association received FIFA’s Fair Play award for its response to a devastating earthquake and tsunami last March, including hosting Barcelona's Club World Cup victory in December.
Madrid captain Iker Casillas was selected as goalkeeper.
In defense, Barcelona's Dani Alves and Gerard Pique lined up alongside Madrid's Sergio Ramos and Nemanja Vidic of Man United.
Xavi anchored a midfield trio with Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta and Madrid's Xabi Alonso. Messi led the attack with Ronaldo and Rooney. - AP
Published Jan 10, 2012, dailychilli.com/sports
The Japan Football Association received FIFA’s Fair Play award for its response to a devastating earthquake and tsunami last March, including hosting Barcelona's Club World Cup victory in December.
Madrid captain Iker Casillas was selected as goalkeeper.
In defense, Barcelona's Dani Alves and Gerard Pique lined up alongside Madrid's Sergio Ramos and Nemanja Vidic of Man United.
Xavi anchored a midfield trio with Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta and Madrid's Xabi Alonso. Messi led the attack with Ronaldo and Rooney. - AP
Published Jan 10, 2012, dailychilli.com/sports
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