Messi won the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012

Messi won the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012 

Lionel Messi won the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012. Success makes the Barcelona and Argentina star broke the record three football legend.

In the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala held in Zurich on Tuesday (08/1), Messi was named World Player 2012, defeating two other candidates, Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta. Messi, who has won the last three editions in a row, re-elected as the best of the year.

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Messi also successfully pass a record three Ballon d'Or Michel Platini (1983, 1984, 1985), Marco Van Basten (1988, 1989, 1992) and Johan Cruyff (1971, 1973, 1974). Most importantly, Messi is now listed as the first player in football history to win four Ballon d'Or in a row.

Messi, Ronaldo and Iniesta were the three finalists this year. They elected finalists with consideration.

Although Barcelona have not won a trophy in 2012, in addition to the prestigious Copa del Rey, Messi continues to grow. Argentina star did not stop scoring goals and breaking records. Messi was the top scorer of La Liga 2011/12 with 50 goals. He also broke the record thanks to Gerd Muller's 91 goals during the year 2012. At the national team level, Messi helped Argentina look impressive and dominating qualifying World Cup South America.

The year 2012 was a remarkable year for Ronaldo. He played a major role bringing Portugal to the semi-finals of Euro 2012. With Real Madrid, he scored 46 goals in La Liga and helped them win the crown champion. He is also one of the key players Los Merengues go up to the Champions League semifinals.

Iniesta is maetro in midfield Barcelona and Spain. Together with La Furia Roja, he won both the European Cup and at Euro 2012. In the championship game, Iniesta was named the best player, not only in the final, but also throughout the tournament.

Seeing the quality of the three finalists, definitely not easy to pick a winner. Through an election in which the coaches and captains of national teams and journalists from around the world, eventually the name Messi emerged as a leader.

Messi not only undermine the record of three legends, but he also has created its own history by becoming the first player to win four Ballon d'Or in a phenomenal career.

Messi: It's hard to Trust

Lionel Messi admitted he thought would win the FIFA Ballon d'Or award 2012. Barcelona and Argentina star seemed to run out of words to express how happy he was once again to be the best in the world.

In the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala held in Zurich on Tuesday (08/1), Messi was selected to win the prestigious award an individual level. Ballon d'Or was the fourth consecutive for Messi. Messi, 25, was also reached in the last three editions.

Final results are Messi 41.60% , Cristiano Ronaldo 23.68%, and Andres Iniesta  10.91%.

"Receiving this award is something that is very unusual, let alone four times in a row. All special trophy, as anyone certainly never thought I would come home from here with him," said Messi was quoted as saying by AFP.

"I want to share this happiness with Andres (Iniesta), who are here with me," said Messi.

Messi also revealed how he is very grateful to his colleagues in Barcelona and the Argentina national team as well as those who voted for him. People nearby did not miss from the 'list'.

"Thank you also for family, friends and of course my wife and children, which is the best gift in life," said Messi.

Messi has become the first player in history to win four Ballon d'Or. He also surpassed Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten, three football legend who has won three awards throughout their careers.