No surprises as Leo Messi lifted his fourth Ballon d’Or in Zurich tonight after polling 41.60% of the votes, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo on 23.68% and Andrés Iniesta on 10.91%. Barça were the best represented team along with Real Madrid in the Fifpro World XI with Dani Alves, Gerard Piqué, Xavi Hernandez, Iniesta and Messi making the team. Vicente Del Bosque was voted coach of the year ahead of José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.
Sporting a snazzy spotted jacket and bow tie Messi received his award before saying, “To tell you the truth this is really quite unbelieavable. The fourth award that I have had is just too great for words. I would like to recognise my other colleagues from Barcelona: Iniesta it has been great to train and play alongside you. I would also like to recognise all of my friends in the Argentinian national team. Everyone that has worked with me coaches and staff and my family and my friends. And finally to my wife and my son. Thank you.” When he finished his speech those in attendance rose to give him a standing ovation.
Here’s the full Fifa/FIFPro World XI:
Goalkeeper: Casillas
Defenders: Alves, Piqué, Ramos, Marcelo
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta
Forwards: Messi, Falcao, Ronaldo
messi bags fourth time
Ok,
I know there are still a few hours to go before tonight's gala in
Zurich for the 2012 Fifa Ballon d'Or, but there can be little doubt
remaining that Leo Messi is going to win his fourth consecutive award.
Contenders Andrés Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo have both had an
exceptional year but they will be forced to accept that Messi is at a
different level.
There
are some in the media who complain that the prize should go to a player
who has won more trophies in the year and that Messi's Copa del Rey
is not enough. However, if you follow this argument you could say that
Fernando Torres or Sergio Ramos should win this year which would give a
whole new meaning to the word 'best'. The criteria decided on is of
course the prerogative of each voter, but if the question is: who was
the best player in world football in 2012? - then surely there can be
only one reply.
Like
trophies, goals are also an important part of the game, though Messi's
insurmountable haul of 91 goals should not be the deciding factor
either. The incredible consistency with which he has found the net has
been remarkable and Barça's excellent start to the season owes a great
deal to his lethal finishing. However, Messi is so much more than just a
goalscorer.
Since
Pep Guardiola gave him the 'false nine' role back in 2009 the team has
been built around him and his understanding with Barça's other top stars
is phenomenal. Whether combining in midfield with Xavi or Iniesta,
linking closer to goal with Fabregas or Pedro, or sending perfectly
timed passes for the forward runs of Alves or Alba, he always seems to
know where the other player is as he directs the play.
He
has adapted his work-rate more intelligently so that while he may at
times appear stationary he is always ready to pressurize opponents at
the most opportune moment. His has astonishing speed of thought which
makes him capable of reacting quicker than other players to a loose ball
or ricochet but it is still his velocity when running with the ball
that most delights. Seeing Messi in full flight gives me a massive
thrill every time, anything is possible when he has the ball at his
feet, it has to be one of the most beautiful sights you can see in sport
today.
There
should be no shame for Iniesta or Ronaldo, just being on the podium
with Messi should be seen as an honour, and both players have earned
their places in football history. However, today we should all bow to
Lionel Andrés Messi, the best player in the world of 2012, and for me
and many many others, the best player of all time.
Send your comments on the Ballon d'Or. I'll post some photos and comment after the ceremonyMESSI WITH HIS GOLDEN BALL -
EnJOy-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------