His countrymen Di Stefano (1957 and 1959) and Sivori (1961) won him as Spanish and Italian. Until 1995 France Football journalists only Europeans could vote. Messi is the Golden Ball winner with most votes: 473.
His teammate Dani Alves believes he is the first of many awards that would be happy to win will win more trophies but it depends on individual development, with Barca and Argentina. Now, with the World Cup is a good chance of winning something great with my country.
This award has sparked excitement in Europe, but not in Argentina. How do you explain that? When it was announced the winner said I was proud to be the first Argentine (Di Stefano won as Spanish and Sivori, as an Italian) and the first of the Barcelona youth product to get it. I feel both Argentine and Barcelona and would like that in Argentina they rejoiced for the award.
Do you know where to take the trophy?'ll Take him to win titles with Argentina as the World Cup and the Copa America. What I ask is to keep growing as a player and continue to win titles.
His game is compared to Maradona still think it is not up to it. I was told repeatedly that the best player in football history. It is unique. But I am flattered by these comparisons.
Messi in French means Messiah. Do you feel privileged? Savior I'm not only a Barca player and the Rosario. My father, my mother and my sister like to be there. I'll go get him.
Did he imagine winning the trophy before the vote is made public? No. I was a little impatient in the last game before they knew (against Real Madrid), but I was not going through his head.
Worldwide it is said that Messi is a perfect player. What needs is you? Ask only repeat what won this year, both the group and individually, and Argentina selection eager to achieve success.
His teammate Valdes said that the League is the strongest championship. You see that? Think it's true, but in England also. They are the two strongest in Europe there is no doubt. This explains why the clubs of both countries are often at the end of the Champions League.