Finally, D-day arrived and results were much predictable when Argentinian star footballer Lionel Messi won his much awaited fourth Ballon d’Or award in Zurich. He beats other two finalists: his arch rival Portuguese Ronaldo and his own club teammate Andres Iniesta. The award made him a special record holder by winning four consecutive Ballon d’Or trophies. Last night event looked like a formality for him coz he was the favorite of everyone who knows what he achieved last year. However, the award was based on voting from international coaches, captains and journalists; hence there is no question of its credibility. Out of total votes cast, Messi got 41.6% of the votes along with Ronaldo who got 23.68% and Iniesta’s 10.91% votes. Messi, who also holds the record of scoring maximum number of goals in one calendar year, has another highly admired medal in his collection. Notably, despite his existence in the team, Barcelona could not win Spanish league title or Champions League last year which made his record little balmy otherwise he enjoyed his magnificent spell last year.
Messi’s woman counterpart award went to USA forward Wambach who became the first US woman to win this award since Mia Hamm in 2002. Best woman and men coach awards went to Del Bosque of Spain and Pia Sundhage of USA. Other record takers in the last night event include Franz Beckenbauer, who won the FIFA presidential award and Uzbekistan who became the most disciplined team of the year. Despite Messi’s magnificent 91 goals in the year, best goal of the year award went to Fenerbahce’s Slovakian striker Miroslav Stoch for his power play against Genclerbirligi in March.
Each of the winners shared his joy with the media. Messi said post winning, “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 all of my friends in the Argentina national team, everyone that has worked with me, coaches and staff and my family and my friends. Also my wife and my son. Thank you.”
Similar comments were passed by best women player of the year Wambach who told to Associated Press, “I’m a little speechless to be honest when you say it like that. It’s humbling to know that the majority think you are one of the best in the world.”
So, New Year begins with a smile on everybody’s face; let’s see how long these players will cheer their triumphs.