Barcelona’s footballing genius Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award for the fourth time, beating his fiercest rival Cristiano Ronaldo to the prize. It was almost a given that Lionel would win the Ballon d’Or, after he broke Gerd Mueller's record of 85 goals in a calendar year.
Lionel Messi playing for Barcelona
Messi said of receiving the award, “To tell you the truth this is really quite unbelievable. The fourth award that I have had is just too great for words. I would like to recognise my other colleagues from Barcelona.” He also praised his teammate Andres Iniesta.
Lionel added, “Andres, it has been great to train and play alongside you. I would also like to recognise all of my friends in the Argentina national team, everyone that has worked with me, coaches and staff and my family and my friends. Also my wife and my son. Thank you.”
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi took the Ballon d’Or with 41.6% of votes, while Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo came second with 23,68% and Andres Iniesta came third with 10.91%. While Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest player in the history of the game, there are still those that believe he is playing in an easy league against mediocre opponents and feel that he needs to test himself in the English Premier League to truly be considered the greatest ever.
Lionel Messi's best bits for October 2012
