FCBARCELONA.CAT

12.01.2009 21:30

Messi second and Xavi fifth in FIFA World Player Awards

Roger Bogunyà

Coaches and captains of the 135 national sides in FIFA voted Leo Messi as the world’s second best player in 2008. The other Barça finalist, Xavi Hernández, came fifth while Ronaldo came first.

The name of the winner of the FIFA World Player 2008 award was announced tonight at 9.10 pm in the Zurich Opera House in Switzerland. He was Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo, with 935 points. In second place was one of Barça’s two finalists, Leo Messi, who received 678 points, while the other one, Xavi Hernández came fifth with 155 points.

Messi repeats 2007

Leo Messi was thus the runner-up as he was in 2007, when he finished behind Kaká and in front of this year’s winner Cristiano Ronaldo. Just before the winner was announced the Argentine said it was “great” to be in Zurich for the second year running.

Messi received top marks from 76 coaches and captains, while 136 opted for Ronaldo.

Xavi: “All Europe is enjoying watching Barça”

It was Xavi’s first appearance at the FIFA gala and he was pleased to be there, something he thanked his team-mates for. “All Europe is enjoying watching Barça play,” he said.

Xavi came third in terms of maximum scores with 22 as the world’s best player in 2008, behind Ronaldo and Messi.

Click here to view the votes cast by captains and coaches.