Lionel Messi was awarded the Golden Shoe on Wednesday for his outstanding performance during the 2012-2013 season. Scoring 46 goals across various championships, the FC Barcelona striker secured his third Golden Shoe, having previously won in 2009-2010 (34 goals) and 2011-2012 (50 goals). Despite being sidelined due to a left thigh injury at the time of receiving the award, Messi is also a contender for the 2013 Ballon d’Or, a title he has won four times previously. The winner of the 2013 Ballon d’Or will be announced on January 13, 2013, and Messi faces competition from other nominees like Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribéry.
