Messi named world's best

Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi has been named the Fifa World Player of the Year for 2009.

The 22-year-old landed the Ballon d'Or for his dazzling displays for Barca, who won an unprecedented Treble of the Primera Liga, UEFA Champions League and the Copa del Rey last season.

And Messi, who recently helped Barca win the Club World Cup, has now been recognised as the best player on the planet by fellow professionals.

He said: "I would like to thank all the colleagues who voted for me. It is a great honour to get this award as this comes from colleagues from other teams.

"This means that a magnificent year for Barcelona ends in a magnificent way for me and Barcelona."

Last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi's Barcelona team-mates Andres Iniesta and Xavi, and Brazil midfielder Kaka were the other contenders.