Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Argentina was today awarded the Ballon d'Or accolade as Europe-based footballer of the year.
Messi, whom Cristiano Ronaldo beat into second place last season, easily saw off the Portuguese striker, who moved to Real Madrid from Manchester United, by 473 points to 233.
Messi got the vote for a tremendous year in which his mercurial talents stood out for Barcelona as the Catalan club marched to an unprecedented treble of Champions League - he scored against United in the final - Spanish league title and Spanish Cup.
Barca teammates were also hailed with midfielder Xavi taking third place with 170 points while Iniesta was fourth on 149.
In fifth place was Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, who left Barca to join Inter Milan in the summer after winning his second Champions League. He was the club's other scorer in the 2-0 final win over United as Barcelona won their third crown.
Messi, who Argentina coach Diego Maradona picked out as his heir four years ago, was in the youth team in Newells Old Boys in his homeland before Barcelona discovered him. The club swiftly brought him to Europe - paying for treatment for the youngster's growth hormone deficiency.
"Without growth hormones Lionel would have grown, at best, to 1m50 by the time he reached adulthood," his father Jorge once told L'Equipe Magazine.
{{/usCountry}}"Without growth hormones Lionel would have grown, at best, to 1m50 by the time he reached adulthood," his father Jorge once told L'Equipe Magazine.
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