It was a big night for Barcelona as its forward Lionel Messi was awarded the 2011 FIFA Golden Ball (Ballon d'Or 2011) at a star-studded ceremony in Zurich. The 24-year-old Barcelona and Argentina forward successfully beat his teammate Xavi Hernandez Kreus and the Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo and proved why he is considered one of soccer's great players. This is the third consecutive times the Argentina footballer won the prestigious award for the world's best football player in his sport career. Lionel Messi was awarded the Golden Ball by Brazilian legend Ronaldo thanks to his absolutely breathtaking season with 53 goals and 24 assists for Barcelona, 4 goals for Argentina, a Spanish Super Cup, a La Liga and a UEFA Champions League title.
Messi said in a speech when accepting the Golden Ball trophy from another three-time winner (Brazilian forward Ronaldo), “It's a huge pleasure for me. It's the third time I get this award, and it's a huge honour”. He also emphasized the Golden Ball award is to share this with his friend and teammate Xavi, stating “He deserves it, too. I want to share it with you, because you deserve it as much as me”
Lionel Messi was awarded the 2011 FIFA Golden Ball for the third time in a running. The player has inspired the his club to five trophies, including the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup and a third consecutive La Liga title
The Golden Ball winner Lionel Messi is pictured with FIFA Women's World Player of the Year Homare Sawa. 24-year-old phenomenon joins Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane as three-time winners of the FIFA player of the year award
In the Golden Ball acceptance speech, the Barcelona's diminuitive forward stated, “I want to thank everyone that's been involved with me -- my team-mates, trainers, physios, the coach (Pep Guardiola) and everyone at Barcelona”
Golden Ball winner Lionel Messi of Barcelona is pictured with Wayne Rooney of Manchester United during the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2011 which is held on 9 January 2012 in Zurich, Switzerland
Xavi talks about Lionel Messi of Barcelona as, “He’s still young. I think he’s probably going to break all the records that exist in the sport”. In other words, Michel Platini states about the 2011 Ballon d'Or winner, “Messi will always be great with or without (winning) a World Cup — but the World Cup, it’s something special”
Lionel Messi poses with fans during the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2011 ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland
2011 Golden Ball winner Lionel Messi signs autographs to fans
Colombia singer Shakira congratulates Lionel Messi on winning the 2011 FIFA Golden Ball award for the third time on Monday in Zurich
Lionel Messi FIFA Golden Ball 2011
Related links:
Lionel Messi Named World's Best Player at Ballon d'Or Gala (Pictures)
Pep Guardiola Wins Coach of The Year At FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala (Pictures)
Images at FIFA Ballon d'or Gala 2010
About the Author:John Stevens is an Internet marketer and freelance photographer. He likes collecting photographs of celebrities, posting breaking news and writing articles to comment on outstanding events in the field of entertainment.
Articles Source: Ballon d'Or 2011: Lionel Messi Wins Third Consecutive Golden Ball (Pictures)
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