Barcelona Striker Lionel Messi Collects Golden Shoe After 34-Goal Season

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi graciously accepted his European Golden Boot award in a presentation on Thursday evening, during which he lauded the contribution of his Blaugrana team-mates in helping him achieve the title.

The Argentine enjoyed a spectacular 2009-10 season, scoring 34 league goals in 35 matches and becoming the highest scorer to win the prize since Mario Jardel’s astonishing 42 strikes for Sporting Lisbon in 2001-02.

Speaking during the ceremony, Messi accepted the award and was appreciative of the assistance of his colleagues, to which he attributed his success.

Speaking to journalists, he remarked: “Without them, this would never have been possible. I have to thank Pep Guardiola, because he was the first to allow me to get closer to the area. Every goal I scored was special, and every goal was important.

“I’ve enjoyed things since I was very young, but I’m a simple person. I enjoy having the ball at my feet, but I also enjoy being quiet at home with my family.”

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell also attended the ceremony and paid tribute to the gifted 23-year-old for what he has helped the club achieve since his arrival as an impressionable youngster 10 years ago.

He said to Messi: “Thanks for everything, for setting an example to the youth players at the club. You are a good person, which is more important to us than anything, and you will always be a part of this club.”