Barcelona and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has made history by winning the Ballon d’Or for the fourth time. teammate Andres Iniesta.
History
The Argentina captain claimed the award largely due to scoring 91 goals last year in just 69 appearances, breaking Gerd Muller’s long standing record of 40 years.
He also becomes the first player to ever claim the award on four occasions, with Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo the only players ever to scoop the award on three occasions.
Unbelievable
Lionel Messi is simply majestic on the ball. He is one of the few players at the top level of football that can take defenders on and make it look effortless. His scoring record in the last couple of seasons has been unbelievable.
Humble
One of the most endearing facets of the little Argentine is his humility. When handed the trophy he had this to say: “To tell you the truth this is really quite unbelievable. The fourth award that I have had is just too great for words.
“I would like to recognise my other colleagues from Barcelona; Andres it has been great to train and play alongside you. I would also like to recognise my friends in the Argentina team, everyone that has worked with me, coaches and staff and my family and friends, also my wife and son.
“I’m more interested in team awards than I am about what I might win individually. There have been years where we won more titles that have been better.”
Unlucky
Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo is slightly unlucky to be of the same era as Lionel Messi. If he had been playing football in a different generation then he may well just have won this award on a number of occasions.
Some might argue that he had a good shout for the 2012 award, but it really is hard to see past Lionel Messi’s 91 goals in a year. It’s a mind-blowing statistic that is hard to overlook.
Personality
Unfortunately the Portuguese star doesn’t do himself any favours with the way he behaves at times. Messi is humble and seems down to earth, while Ronaldo is considered arrogant and selfish.
People can’t change their personalities and Ronaldo’s really has worked against him in the eyes of the media. He is regarded as a great player, but the question marks over his attitude have arguably stopped him scooping more awards and recognition of his abilities.
Best
Every time Messi scoops an award people ask is he the best player ever to grace a football pitch. Surely he now has a really good claim? This debate will rumble on probably until the Argentinian retires from the game.
Everybody has their own view, but Lionel Messi is the best I have ever seen play the beautiful game. He has put the beautiful back into football and I for one will be forever greatful to the little man from Rosario.
Canter
On a different note last night’s third round FA Cup tie failed to produce a shock result, as Everton hammered Cheltenham 5-1 at Whaddon Road. The Premier League side always looked in control of the clash and took the lead the in 12th minute, through a close-range effort from striker Nikica Jelavic.
The Toffee’s doubled their lead on 21 minutes, Leighton Baines scoring from the penalty spot, after Marouane Fellaini had been fouled the penalty box. Midfielder Leon Osman made it three on 49 minutes, dancing into the box before slotting the ball past Scott Brown.
Cheltenham were given a glimmer of hope in the 51st minute though, as midfielder Russell Penn fired past Tim Howard after a good through-ball from Kaid Mohamed. The revival didn’t last long though.
Just two minutes later Seamus Coleman was put through on goal by Victor Anichebe and the Irish full-back produced a superb lobbed finish over Brown. Marouane Fellaini scored from close-range in the 89th minute to round off a comfortable victory for the Premier League side.
David Moyes men will be hoping to go far in the competition and face a trip to either Bolton or Sunderland in the fourth round.
Is Lionel Messi now the best player ever?
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