Barcelona forward Leo Messi wins the Golden Ball

It's been a remarkable year for Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, and it has just gotten a little better.

The Argentine has won the Golden Ball, given to the European Footballer of the Year, by the largest margin ever. Messi helped Barca win the Champions League, Spanish League and Copa del Rey titles last season. While accepting the award on Tuesday, Messi paid tribute to his club and his teammates.

The Argentine has won the Golden Ball, given to the  European Footballer of the Year, by the largest margin  ever.

Lionel Messi, the 2009 Golden Ball winner, says, "Much happiness, great joy, because it is a very important prize and an impressive recognition. I want to thank my colleagues, as I always say, this is thanks to them too, they are who allowed me to win win this and we all share this award."

A look at Messi´s achievements >>