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Argentina striker Lionel Messi, who is playing with Barcelona has been named European Footballer of the Year Monday to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or or The Golden Ball Award for this year by France Football magazine.

(Pic: Lionel Messi, European Footballer of the Year 2009 Photo, Picture).

Messi got 473 points, far ahead of last year winner Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, with 223 points in the second place and Xavi of Spain, 170 points came third.

Messi, 22, won the treble of Champions League, the Spanish championship and Spanish cup with Barcelona last season.

He also top-scored in the Champions League with nine goals.

The Golden Ball is the de facto world player of the year award, since in most years every player with the talent to win it is employed by a European club.

New York Times said Messi is also the leading candidate to be named FIFA’s world player of the year. That award will be announced on Dec. 21.

Four years ago, Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, who has since become the national team manager, said Messi would be the player to take over his mantle as national hero. And his words are coming true!! Only the World Cup is left now.

Related Items : New York Times | BBC | Ballon d’Or at Wikipedia