A look at Messi's achievements

Messi, of course, part of a team that had one of the most succesful seasons in football history as Barcelona had a remarkable 2008-2009 season. Here's a look back now at Messi's road to winning the Golden Ball.

The 22 year old Barcelona striker Lionel Messi is the first Argentinean to win the European Footballer of the Year.

Hailed by Argentina great Diego Maradona as his  successor, Messi won an unprecedented treble in  Spain last season with Barcelona.

Hailed by Argentina great Diego Maradona as his successor, Messi won an unprecedented treble in Spain last season with Barcelona. The Catalan side swept the Champions League, the Spanish title and the Copa del Rey.

But Messi actually built up his name during the 2006-2007 season with Barca. His hat-trick in the "El Clasico" salvaged a draw for 10-man Barcelona against arch rivals Real Madrid.