Ballon d’Or Special: Goal.com Congratulates Lionel Messi, The 2009 European Footballer Of The Year

In the wee, small hours of the morning in France, a wee, small player by the name of Lionel Messi was crowned the 2009 European Footballer of the Year, becoming the first Argentine and one of the youngest players ever to win the illustrious Ballon d’Or accolade. His triumph, however, comes as little surprise and in fact as soon as the 2008/09 football season kicked-off, many believed that he was already the best player in the world and deserved the crown then. He was, however, beaten to the 2008 award by a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, who himself had a remarkable season but not quite as phenomenal as Messi’s, some would argue. But the Portuguese perhaps deserved took home the title by virtue of having a more successful calendar year trophy-wise than the Argentine. But as Messi carried his imperious and magisterial form into 2009, there was little doubt that this year’s honour would be his for the taking. Barring any long term injuries or significant loss of form – neither of which happened – there would be no other player on planet Earth who would come close to ‘El Mesias’. And the votes showed. He amassed a record-breaking 473 points (out of a possible 480), 27 more than Ronaldo’s tally last year. Fans and pundits worldwide as well as coaches, managers and his peers unanimously recognised Messi as the best footballer of the year by a country mile. And this time, he had the silverware – all five of them – to back up his often jaw-dropping performances. Even in the lead up to his Ballon d’Or success, he swept almost every individual prize before him: UEFA Club Forward and Footballer of the Year, the LFP’s [Liga de Futbol Profesional] Best Striker and Best Player 2008/09, the Trofeo Alfredo Di Stefano, the Premio Don Balon and the Onze d’Or. But his triumph was already cemented in Rome back in May this year when he headed in Barcelona’s killer second goal in the 2008 Champions League final against Manchester United. Everything he did after that was just to further emphasise his case to become one of the greatest footballers of all time. His mediocre form with Argentina mattered little in the eyes of the journalists, who were constantly treated to a sublime lesson of footballing masterclass week in, week out with Barcelona. That his victory was perhaps the worst kept secret or the worst surprise is nothing less than further testimony of his utter dominance and otherworldly brilliance throughout the year. Will the Ballon d’Or be just a small step for Messi to become the greatest of all time? It wouldn’t be a surprise either. On behalf of every football fan who has been entertained, mesmerised and spellbound by the magic of the Rosario-native.