It was never really in doubt, but early this morning France Football published an article on its website which confirmed Lionel Messi as 2009s winner of the coveted Ballon D'or, winning the prize by a huge margin of 240 points. Third in 2007 and second last year, Messi has finally reached the individual pinnacle of European football and has overtaken Cristiano Ronaldo as the continents star performer. Fully deserved, as he played a huge role in helping Barcelona to their League, Cup and Champions League treble last season and scored the decisive second goal in the 2-0 win over Manchester United in the Champions League final.Although he has struggled a little so far this year, there is no better sight on a football field than Leo Messi running at full flight with the ball seemingly sewed onto his foot, and whereas Cristiano embodies all that is pace, power and accuracy, Messi just has that little bit of extra magic in his boots. Superb balance, extraterrestrial speed of thought and foot and the ability to dribble out of the tightest of situations. We should feel honoured that we are able to enjoy his talent during our lifetime, much like I'm sure fans did in the age of Pele, Cruyff and Maradona; unfortunately a bit before my time. Tomorrow night I'll be lucky enough to experience the Messi magic from a matter of metres as Xerez welcome Barca to Chapin. An early xmas present.
Best of the rest
Behind Messi were Ronaldo and Xavi in second and third respectively, whilst Iniesta, Eto'o, Kaká, Ibrahimovic, Rooney, Drogba y Gerrard made up the top ten in that order. The only question I have about that top ten is...where is Fernando Torres? Eleventh. He's done more than Drogba and Rooney in the last year, and surely deserves a place in the top ten, perhaps even the top five. Also interesting to note that not one defender makes the top ten, with the highest placed being Nemanja Vidic in 16th. Piqué, Puyol and Pepe not even on the list? Strange. Other Spaniards who did make the list were Cesc Fabregas in 12th, Iker Casillas in 16th and David Villa in 26th.My early bet for Ballon D'or 2010 is Xavi Hernandez. After leading Barcelona to a second consecutive Champions League and Spain to glory in South Africa.