Barcelona

Lionel Messi was the achievement of this year. After delivering Barcelona won three titles plus the European Super Cup, the young striker from Argentina had won individual awards from the magazine France Football. Namely, the trophy aka Ballon d'Or award as European Player of the Year 2009.

Is a historical achievement for Argentina. Because, despite including the most countries exporting players to Europe, there has never been a player of Latin American countries were successful steal the Golden Ball.

"It is my great honor to be selected as the players were eligible for Ballon d'Or trophy. Moreover, I became the first Argentine player who won this award," said Messi was quoted as saying France Football.

In voting results announced yesterday morning, Messi collected 473 points. He is 240 points ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo who collected 233 points. This is the largest margin of superiority in the Ballon d'Or history. The third place was occupied by team mate Messi, Xavi Hernandez, with 170 points.

"Frankly, I know the favorites at the top. Given, Barcelona success throughout 2009, when we won everything. But I did not expect to win with the points difference is very soundly," said Messi.

"Ballon d'Or is a very important award for me. All that was nominated is a great player," added the 22-year player.

Since the beginning, many who predicted that the award is initiated by the French magazine France Football is going to fall into the hands of Messi. It can not be separated from the successful Barcelona win the Primera Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League season 2008/2009.

Therefore, many members of the Barca 'dream team that was nominated. Besides Xavi, Andres Iniesta is midfielder and striker Thierry Henry. Samuel Eto'o the season was sold to Inter Milan also on the list. However, the journalists involved in the voting agree that the most influential contributions Messi for Barcelona victory. He became a top score of the Champions League with nine goals. Total, Messi to record 38 goals in all competitions.

How did this season? Messi admitted difficult to repeat the achievement of his team. In the Primera Liga, Real Madrid-Barcelona-the nickname is still leading the standings. However, competition with rivals in the big four are very strict. In the Champions League, their fate should be determined on the last Matchday next week.

"It's not easy to repeat the season we have the perfect way. I just hope this season we can achieve the same standards as before. But, to achieve something similar, let alone the Ballon d'Or for the second time in a row, it was hard," tutor Messi.

Since held in 1956, there were only eight players have ever won the Ballon d'Or more than once. Among the eight names, the most remarkable accomplishments was French legend Michel Platini. The man who is now serving as president of UEFA's rule of three successive editions (1983, 1984, and 1985).

Previously, the Ballon d'Or is only intended for the European players who play in European leagues. Namur, the rules were later changed. Since 1995, outside the European players who play in Europe could also nominated. AC Milan players who came from Liberia, George Weah, is the player's first non-European to win the prestigious award.