Lionel Messi won the Golden Ball for the third time in a row and so made history as the youngest footballer who ever did this…

The Argentine is so with Michel Platini, the only player who has won the award three times in a row, and tied with Cruyff and Marco van Basten in the number of awards. And all this with only 24 years …

Barcelona attacker, as expected, is celebrating after voting of national coaches, captains and journalists following the year in which he led Barca to a title in the Spanish Cup, Champions League, World Club Championship and European and Spanish Super Cup, while scoring 53 goals. Messi has won 47.8% of the votes. Ronaldo, who as well as Jose Mourinho wasn’t in Zurich because of tomorrow’s match with Malaga received 21.6% and Xavi 9.2%.

In the competition for the best coach celebrated Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola strategist in competition with Sir Alex Ferguson from Manchester United and Jose Mourinho, coach of Real Madrid.

The award, named after Ferenc Puskas, is awarded for best goal of 2011. And the winner was Neymar for the goal in the match against Flamengo.

Players with the most titles:

Johan Cruyff                        3     1971, 1973, 1974
Lionel Messi                        3     2009, 2010, 2011
Michel Platini                       3     1983, 1984, 1985
Marco van Basten               3     1988, 1989, 1992
Alfredo Di Stéfano               2     1957, 1959
Franz Beckenbauer            2     1972, 1976
Kevin Keegan                      2     1978, 1979
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge     2     1980, 1981
Ronaldo                               2     1997, 2002