Argentina’s Lionel Messi was crowned the Ballon d’Or 2012 this Monday evening in Zurich at the headquarters of the International Football Federation.
This marks his fourth consecutive coronation after winning the title in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Messi prevailed over Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) and the Spaniard Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona).
At 25 years old, Lionel Messi has entered the legend by becoming the only player to date to have won four Ballon d’Or titles. Three other players have achieved three titles: Michel Platini (1983, 1984, 1985), Johan Cruyff (1971, 1973, 1974), and Marco van Basten (1988, 1989, 1992).
