Messi wins Ballon d'Or as world player of the year

Lionel Messi became the first Argentine to win world soccer's most
prestigious individual award. (Photo: hitspor's photostream)

At the end of a season in which he lead Spain's FC Barcelona to a league, cup, and Champions League title, Argentine Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or in the most lopsided vote in award history.

Messi received 473 out of a possible 480 points.  Second place Cristiano Ronaldo accumulated only 233 points from the 96 international voters who listed their three choices by 1st-2nd-3rd, 5-3-1 point ranking.

At 22-years-old, Messi becomes the youngest player since England's Michael Owen won the award  in 2001 at the age of 21.  Messi also becomes the first Argentine to win the award and the first player from Barcelona to take home the honor since Brazilian Ronaldinho won the award in 2005.

The award is given annually to the best player in the world during the preceding calendar year.  The distinction is decided by a panel selected by the France Football.  The journal has been giving out the award since 1956.

Last season, the award was won by Cristiano Ronaldo (then with Manchester United), with Messi finishing second.  The preceding season, Kaka (then with AC Milan) won, with Messi finishing third.

In each of the last three seasons, the award has gone to a player from the UEFA Champions League-winning side.

In his award-winning season, Messi accumulated 38 goals and 18 assists in 51 appearances all competitions.  Six other Barcelona teammates received votes.

Final voting (Top Five)