Lionel Messi, the 24-year-old Argentinian came ahead of his Real Madrid rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Barca team-mate Xavi yesterday in FIFA's 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or at a star-studded ceremony in Zurich.
Messi said: "It's a great personal pleasure for me. It's the third time I've won it. It's just an amazing honour".
"I want to thank everyone that's been involved with me - my teammates, trainers, physios, the coach (Pep Guardiola) and everyone at Barcelona.
"I'd also like to thank the Argentina national team as well.''