Barcelona's Argentine forward Lionel Messi was on Monday named winner of the FIFA World Player award for the third successive year, dpa reported.
The 24-year-old, who made history by becoming the first Argentine player to win the award in 2009, beat off team-mate Xavi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.
The award crowns a successful year for Messi, who won the Spanish league, the Champions League and the World Club Cup, as well as the Spanish and UEFA Super Cups with Barcelona.
Argentine Lionel Messi wins FIFA Ballon d'Or award
Barcelona's Argentine forward Lionel Messi was on Monday named winner of the FIFA World Player award for the third successive year, dpa reported.
