Argentina’s Lionel Messi was crowned the Ballon d’Or 2012 on Monday evening in Zurich at the headquarters of the International Football Federation.
This marks his fourth consecutive coronation after those in 2009, 2010, and 2011. He outshone Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) and the Spaniard Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona). At 25 years old, Lionel Messi has entered the legend as the only player to date to have won four Ballon d’Or titles.
In his acceptance speech, Messi expressed his gratitude: “It’s incredible that I receive this award again and for the fourth time in a row. I would like to share this award with all my Barça teammates and, in particular, with Andres (Iniesta) who is here with me. It’s a source of pride for me to be able to train with him every day.”
“I also want to think here of my teammates from the Argentinian selection. Thank you to the people who voted for me, captains, and selection coaches. Thank you to my family, my friends, and obviously my wife and my son who is the best thing that ever happened to me.”
