![]() "I try to do the same as I do for Barcelona. Messi's vote appeared to be entirely based on his club form as his performances for Argentina, under coach Diego Maradona, were largely disappointing.Īrgentina struggled to qualify for the World Cup and their results this year included a 6-1 hammering in Bolivia and defeats by Paraguay and Ecuador.īefore the ceremony, Messi told reporters he could not explain why he failed to perform at the same level for his country. He also notched the extra-time winner in the 2-1 Club World Cup final victory over Estudiantes in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Messi was leading scorer in the 2008-09 Champions League, hitting nine goals including one in the 2-0 final win over Manchester United. Portugal and Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo, last year's winner, was a distant second with 352 points followed by Spain and Barcelona midfielder Xavi (196). ![]() The Argentine, who joined Barcelona as a 13-year-old in 2000, claimed 1,073 points in a poll of 147 national team coaches and captains. Related readings: Messi free kick gives Barca victory Messi wins the Golden Ball Cool Messi makes his mark quietly but effectively Messi beats C.Ronald to win European Player Messi hits back over his Argentina efforts "This finishes a magnificent year for Barcelona, my team mates and for me," said Messi after receiving the trophy from UEFA president and former France international Michel Platini. The 22-year-old forward, who also landed the European Footballer of the Year prize earlier this month, picked up the accolade after collecting four major titles with Barcelona - the Champions League, the Club World Cup, La Liga and the King's Cup. Lionel Messi of Argentina shows his trophy after receiving the FIFA Men's World Player of the Year 2009 soccer award during a ceremony in Zurich December 21, 2009.
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