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Messi strikes gold for fourth time | FC Barcelona
Everything Leo Messi touches turns to gold! In Zurich today, he has done something no man has ever done before. He has been named the best player in the world for the fourth year running. After beating Cristiano Ronaldo and Andrés Iniesta he has once again shown us that, as far as his trecord breaking career is going, there simply are no limits.
2012: The year of Lionel Messi | FC Barcelona
The Argentinian’s achievement in 2012 included the Golden Boot and beating Müller’s record for goals in a calendar year. This has been the year of Leo Messi, the winner once again of the FIFA Ballon d’Or. Here we look back in chronological order at the player’s achievements in 2012.
Messi: "It hasn't been my best year" | FC Barcelona
Speaking to the press in Zurich, FIFA Ballon d’Or nominee Leo Messi said, "it hasn’t been my best year. I’m more interested in team awards than I am about what I might win individually. There have been years, where we won more titles, that have been better."
The Ballon d’Or? Suits you sir | Early Doors - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
There could be no other decision. An entirely suspenseless ceremony saw the correct man crowned the world's greatest footballer in Zurich last night as Lionel Messi was deemed worthy of the honour for a record fourth time at the FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremony.
The amazing life and times of Lionel Messi - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Factbox on Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi who won the Ballon d'Or for an unprecedented fourth time.
Lionel Messi, Azulgrana's DNA | FC Barcelona
After becoming the highest goalscorer in the history of FC Barcelona, with 234 goals in official matches, we take a look at Messi’s journey through the Club’s youth teams with commentary from his old managers.
FC Barcelona, The club with ten Ballons d’Or | FC Barcelona
Leo Messi has won his fourth Ballon d’Or and it’s likely that this was not his last. And when Messi wins, Barça win too. From today, Barça are able to boast an all-time record of having won ten different editions of the awards. They are followed by AC Milan and Juventus, who have eight each.
Sandro Rosell: "I'm very proud" | FC Barcelona
Sandro Rosell and Andoni Zubizarreta followed the 2012 FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala very closely. The FC Barcelona president said that he’s "very proud of the players, of all of our winners and of Barça. I am also very proud of the work that people have done over the last 30 years, when La Masia was created. We are reaping the rewards I want to thank everyone for their hard work."
Where is Pirlo? Barcelona and Real Madrid bias proves that FIFPro World XI has no credibility - Goal.com
The Fifa Ballon d'Or itself has suffered its fair share of criticism in recent times, from the snubbing of Wesley Sneijder in 2010, to the bizarre inclusion this time around of Pep Guardiola in the top three of the coaching category. But its credibility is still just about intact. This is sadly not the case any longer with the FIFPro XI.
Josep Guardiola: "Watching Barça is a spectacle" | FC Barcelona
Josep Guardiola, finalist of the FIFA Coach of the Year Awards for 2012, spoke to the media this afternoon and declared: "watching Barça is a spectacle. I was lucky enough to be at this fantastic Club for a few years and for me the best prize would be to see Barça playing the same or better than when I was there.
Del Bosque: "We have to take care of football" | FC Barcelona
Vicente del Bosque won the 2012 Coach of the Year award this afternoon in Zurich. Del Bosque, who led Spain to the 2010 World Cup trophy and the 2012 European Championship trophy, called upon the attendees of the Gala to "take care of football so we can be examples of ethical and professional behaviour."
Soccer academy "La Masia:" A model for the U.S.? - 60 Minutes Overtime - CBS News
It's hard to imagine any American kids playing at the level that you'll see in this week's Overtime feature on "La Masia," the youth academy that feeds pro players to what's arguably the best soccer team in the world, FC Barcelona.
Marcelo back in training at Real Madrid - Goal.com
Real Madrid left-back Marcelo has resumed training after being made unavailable for almost three months because of a broken foot. The Brazilian had fractured his fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot while on international duty with Brazil in October 2012, having appeared six times in the league for los Blancos so far this season.
Piti at double to down Getafe | Sky Sports Football
Alhassane Bangoura (14) put Rayo ahead with Piti doubling the lead (28) before the same player all but ended the match as a contest seven minutes after the break. Paco Alcacer pulled one back midway through the second half but Getafe could not breach the home defence again and victory was comfortable enough for Rayo.
Rossi joins Fiorentina from Villarreal - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
A fee was agreed for the Italy international on Friday, and he has now agreed personal terms. Rossi will be officially presented to the media on Monday, but will not get the chance to play for his new club for another couple of months as he is currently sidelined with a serious knee injury.