Lionel Messi wins Fifa world player award

Messi won the Fifa award for a second straight year, finishing ahead of Barcelona teammates Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez. 'It's a very special day for me,' Messi said through a translator on receiving the award at a gala ceremony in Fifa's home city.

The 23-year-old Messi amassed 58 goals last year for an exciting Barcelona team which retained the Spanish league title and leads the standings this season. However, he failed to score in South Africa as Argentina exited in the quarterfinals. Iniesta and Xavi, by comparison, starred for eventual winner Spain.

Barcelona has now provided eight winners in the 20-year history of the Fifa honor. Messi follows former Brazil internationals Romario (1994), Ronaldo (1996 and '97), Rivaldo (1999) and Ronaldinho (2004 and '05).

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