Lionel Messi Becomes FIFA World Player Of The Year 2009

Argentina and Barcelona star Lionel Messi got his hands on the FIFA World Player of the Year award for the first time in his career yesterday night, after beating Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi Hernandez, Ricardo Kaka, and Andres Iniesta in the voting at the FIFA World Player Gala 2009.

Lionel Messi was among the 5 last nominees for the award in 2007 and 2008 (finishing in second and third position respectively), but now, he can celebrate this honor with pride, as he is the first Argentinian footballer to ever win this prestigious award.

Having already surpassed strong contender and Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Onze d’Or and the Ballon d’Or awards in recent weeks, it was likely that Lionel Messi was going to end up with the FIFA World Player of the Year award; and eventually, he did.

“I’m just very happy… it is lovely to get this recognition from colleagues and coaches,” said an enthusiastic Lionel Messi while speaking to FIFA.com.

“That makes it even more important. The fact that I’m the first Argentinian to win it is also a great honor.”
Lionel Messi helped FC Barcelona grab 3 titles last season, consisting of La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.

Below are the standings for the 5 top players in terms of votes for the 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year award:

Lionel Messi – 1,073
Cristiano Ronaldo – 352
Xavi Hernández – 196
Ricardo Kaká – 190
Andres Iniesta – 134

The votes were casted by captains and head coaches of national teams (men and women).

Lionel Messi has surely achieved his dream this year, and he certainly hopes that there will be more to come as time goes by.

Isaac Asante, LMF

Click here to read this article on Bleacherreport.com

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