Football: Messi third straight Ballon d’Or

Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) poses with Colombian singer Shakira (R) on Monday after receiving for the third time the FIFA Ballon d’Or football award at the Kongresshaus in Zurich

Lionel Messi was on Monday awarded the 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or at a star-studded ceremony in Zurich, the third consecutive year that he has won the prestigious award for the world’s outstanding footballer.
The 24-year-old Barcelona and Argentina forward finished ahead of his Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Barca team-mate Xavi.
“It’s the third time I’ve won it. It’s just an amazing honour. I want to thank everyone that’s been involved with me – my team-mates, trainers, physios, the coach [Pep Guardiola] and everyone at Barcelona.
“I’d also like to thank the Argentina national team as well.”
Messi becomes only the second player, after current UEFA president Michel Platini, to win the award for three consecutive years.
He also joins Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten as the only men to have won the prize on three occasions.
Barcelona were given further reason to celebrate when Guardiola was named FIFA Coach of the Year.
The 40-year-old former Barcelona and Spain midfielder had been nominated alongside Madrid’s Jose Mourinho – winner last year after guiding Inter Milan to three trophies including the Champions League – and Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United.
Japanese midfielder Homare Sawa claimed the women’s equivalent of the Ballon d’Or, after she won the Golden Boot for top scorer and the Golden Ball for player of the tournament as Japan secured their first ever women’s World Cup title in Germany.
Japan coach Norio Sasaki was named Women’s Coach of the Year, ahead of France coach Bruno Bini and the USA’s Swedish coach Pia Sundhage.