FCBARCELONA.CAT

21.12.2009 20:02

Messi wins FIFA World Player

Jordi Clos

Leo Messi has been voted FIFA World Player of the year at a ceremony in Zurich, thereby rounding off a spectacular year of team and individual honours.

The secret is out, and Leo Messi was named FIFA World Player 2009 on Monday, making him officially the best player on the planet. At the gala in Zurich, the result was announced, and the Argentinian was voted ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, Kaká and Iniesta. The votes were cast by the mangers and captains of every national side in the world.

Pleased and honoured

It was long expected. Earlier prizes included the Puskas award for the best goal (Cristiano Ronaldo) and the ideal eleven (with Dani Alves, Xavi, Iniesta and Messi included). Then FIFA president Joseph Blatter, and UEFA president Michel Platini named Leo Messi the FIFA World Player. “I want to thank my colleagues who voted for me. For me it is a big honour to get this award from my rivals. I also want to share it with my team mates. This is the best possible way to end a magnificent year for Barça and myself” he said.

Barça colours

Having supplied five finalists, FC Barcelona was the star of the ceremony. Messi, Xavi and Iniesta had all flown directly to Zurich from Kuwait. In a brief interview, the man from Terrassa, who finished third, also spoke about Spain’s chances at the next World Cup, described the Rome final and thanked the club doctors, who had helped him recover in time to play there.

Messi’s year

The FIFA World Player is the crowning moment of an amazing year for Leo Messi. He played a decisive role in Barça winning every tournament they played in: the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, La Liga, the Clubs World Cup and both the Spanish and European Super Cups. On an individual level, he has won plenty of awards too, including the Balon d’Or, the Onze d’Or, the Best Striker and Best Player in the Champions League and the Spanish League and the Best Player at the Clubs World Cup. This has certainly been an amazing year for Barcelona, but also for the great Leo Messi.