Lionel Messi Wins FIFA's Golden Ball Award, Again

By Sharmaine Jones

Argentinian heartthrob Lionel Messi won FIFA's 2010 World Player of the Year for the second year in a row.

We all knew the forward/winger would win the Ballon d'Or last Monday, Jan. 10, but Messi seemed more impressed by his Barcelona teammates' performances than his own. Messi used his Twitter page to share his opinion about those he felt were deserving of the award.

“This year I think one of my teammates at Barcelona, Xavi or (Andres) Iniesta, will win the Ballon d'Or,” he tweeted before the announcement.

To win, a player must receive the largest percent of votes cast by selected reporters and national team coaches and captains. According to Sportsillustrated.com, Messi received 22.65 percent of votes, Andres Iniesta came in second with 17.36 percent, and Xavi received 16.48 percent to finish third for the second straight year.

Messi scored an impressive 58 goals in 54 games for FCB (Futbol Club Barcelona) and 2 goals in 10 matches for Argentina during the 2010 World Games, making him the first player to win the award back-to-back since Ronaldo de Assis Moreira (Ronaldhino) did so in 2004 and 2005. Despite his mesmerizing play, the 23-year-old forward was surprised he won the Golden Ball Award.

“I didn't expect to win it today,” Messi tweeted after receiving the award. “Already it's a source of happiness to be here with my friends and even more to win it.”

He was probably just as elated after he and five of his Barcelona teammates were named to FIFA's All-Star team.

Marta Vieira da Silva, of Brazil, won the women's 2010 FIFA World Player of the Year.

Do you think Messi deserved the 2010 FIFA Player of the Year Award? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Barcelona, FIFA, futbol, Golden Ball Award, Lionel Messi, Ronaldhino, Soccer, Sports Illustrated, World Player of the Year