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Messi wins Ballon D’Or almost unanimously
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There was never any doubt was there? Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi has been awarded the 2009 Ballon D’Or by French magazine France Football.
The 22-year-old became the first Ballon D’Or winner from Argentina, eclipsing runner-up and last year’s winner Cristiano Ronaldo by a record 240-point margin.
The award’s 96 jurors gave Messi 473 points out of a possible 480, a near unanimous verdict, the magazine said.
The win caps a brilliant year for the soft-spoken left-footer, who helped Barcelona to a Champions League title with nine goals, as well as La Liga and the King’s Cup.
PHOTO: Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates a goal against Cultural Leonesa during their Spanish King’s Cup match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, November 10, 2009. REUTERS/Albert Gea
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This one’s not really got people talking. Everyone knew Messi was going to win but I’m not sure he deserves it more than some of the other Barceloan players, who had much better years with their countries.Next year, Dossena. You watch.
It was a list of the usual suspects really, wasn’t it? Here’s an alternative top five:1. Yaya Toure2. Luis Fabiano3. Grafite4. Gerard Pique5. Thierry Henry (only joking…)
It wasn’t a suprise, but for consistency last season surely Xavi deserved the award, especially if you tied in Euro 2008 where he was voted player of the tournament. He should definitely have been above Cristiano Ronaldo.