Messi wins FIFA Player of the Year award

Barcelona and Argentina striker Lionel Messi was crowned FIFA World Player of the Year last night.

Barcelona and Argentina striker Lionel Messi was crowned FIFA World Player of the Year last night.

Messi, whose goals this year helped Barcelona win the Champions League final and World Club Cup final, thus succeeds Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo as the world's top player, as voted by national team captains and coaches.

Brazil's Marta and Argentina's Lionel Messi with their FIFA World Player of the Year awards during the World Player Gala in Zurich yesterday

Messi has played a huge role in the recent success of Spanish giants Barcelona, who have won six trophiesu00a0 this season Champions League, Spanish League, King's Cup, Spanish Super Cup, European Super Cup, FIFA World Club Cup).

Earlier this month, The Argentine forward was also voted the winner of the Ballon d'Or for the European
Footballer of the Year

On Monday Messi (22) beat Barcelona teammates Andres Iniesta and Xavi (both from Spain), Brazilian striker Kaka of Real Madrid (2007 winner) and last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo also won both trophies last season.

The Real Madrid ace however did win the Ferenc Puskas award for goal of the season this time.

The Argentine is also known for his superb dribbling and fast, mazy runs, and yesterday he was just as quick to share out the plaudits.

"I want to thank my teammates, notably those who are present here tonight, without whom none of my achievements would have been possible," said Messi.

"2009 has been a wonderful year for Barcelona and also for me."