2009

The Argentine missed Saturday's derby by some discomfort in the ankle

Leo Messi gave the Golden Ball 2009 to all the fans Barcelona in the preliminaries of the joint meeting between FC Barcelona and Espanyol. The Argentine, who missed Saturday's derby by a sore right ankle, was cheered by fans, teammates and the captain of Espanyol, Luis Garcia, when he lifted the trophy that he is credited as the best player this year.

A Despite sprained ankle, Messi wanted to thank this gesture with the support of the fans and the other members of the Barça squad. A priori, this will not be the last award received by the Argentine soccer since it looks like that will be the FIFA World Player.

Messi, who received the Golden Ball on Sunday, was ahead in the classification of Cristiano Ronaldo and his companions in all Barça Xavi and Iniesta.

The player, first Argentine to achieve this distinction, was surprised by the advantage gained over his rivals: "I had to impose, by a margin so important," he said, because nobody had done until now so bloated advantage compared to runner-up.

Argentine striker Leo Messi, FC Barcelona, the newly Ballon d'Or 2009, considered an "honor" to have achieved the prestigious award given by France Football magazine gala, noting that, though he knew it was among the favorites, in no case was expected to enjoy the support of many members of the jury.

Messi, who said he felt "great emotion" by the news, highlighted the "honor" of not only receiving the award, but also be the first Argentine to make it.

Asked if she was surprised to rise as the best player in the world in this prestigious vote, Messi admitted that "he knew who was among the favorites," especially by the "successful" year for FC Barcelona in a matter of degrees. "But we had to impose, by a margin so important", adds, because nobody had done until now so bloated advantage over the second classified. Messi managed 473 of the 480 possible points, well ahead of the 233 points scored Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, who was in second place.

"The Golden Ball is very important to me. All those who are great players have won. And some large they have not even won, "he added. The Rosary star dedicated his award to his family and everyone who has been at his side when it's needed.

Regarding the difficult situation experienced by Argentina football selection for his classification''in extremis''for the world, Messi said he never doubted that this access eventually occur. So he was "confident" despite "difficulties" encountered in the access phase. "I knew we'd be in the world.

Looking ahead, Messi said he will not be "easy" to repeat a year as the living, although he hoped to follow the same path of success so far. "But getting the Golden Ball award two years straight is not easy ..."

Lionel Messi is the only favorite to win the Ballon d'Or 2009 in the 54th edition of the prize awarded Tuesday the French magazine France Football.

Lionel Messi is the only favorite to win the Ballon d'Or 2009 in the 54th edition of the prize awarded Tuesday the French magazine France Football. The Argentine, who plays for FC Barcelona since he is 12, was second in last year's election, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who in this issue seems destined to second place, with midfielder ahead of Barca and the Spanish selection, Xavi Hernandez.

The views of the correspondents of the magazine, whose numbers on Tuesday will be devoted to it called the best player of the moment, are always questionable, but this year found no response from the Spanish fans when we consider the results of the survey that we published in ELMUNDO.es: 35% of voters were inclined by the choice of flea Barca midafternoon Monday, although not in his team selection or Argentina through its best. They tell their 38 goals in all competitions and his 16 assists, while securities (5) made since last January.

Ascension staggered Variations of this aspect of Spanish popular vote and lie in the ascension of Xavi Hernandez to second place (18.4%) and Iker Casillas (14.9%) to bronze. The reality is different, except in the first step.

Messi, 22, will contribute to the legend of the rise staggered the award, after having collected the bronze (2007) and silver (2008), behind two of its major rivals today: Cristiano Ronaldo Kaka last year and above.

Another specialized French magazine, Onze Mondial Messi recently named player of the year, an award given to him after being named best player of the League Spanish and Champions League. After the Golden Ball will await the FIFA World Player, the other major award given by the international federation.

Even Cristiano Ronaldo, 24, who lost the Champions League final against Argentina, recognized the merits of Messi. The Portuguese also depleted performance in the national team, will remain on the final podium, with the Silver Ball already received two years ago.

Xavi Hernandez appeared in the top ten of nominees in 2008, the heat of breeding success in the European Championship in Austria and Switzerland. Was fifth, behind Ronaldo, Messi, Fernando Torres and Iker Casillas. In 2009, his performances have captivated more glances between correspondents France Football and it appears to be in the French dress with bronze globe. The other seven finalists await the next year to the podium: Andres Iniesta goes through the roof, as his partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Kaka, Samuel Eto-o, Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard completed the septet of finalists without prize.

All equipment that makes this project, wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2009.

We take to thank you for everything in this 2008, and thanks to you for your comments to your contributions to your hobby and your suggestions do that every day we continue to improve and continue to report on time with the same illusion on the first day.

Spend a good holiday next to your loved ones.