Picture special: Lionel Messi wins third straight Ballon d’Or crown
The Sport Review brings you some of the best shots from the glitzy Fifa Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich, where Messi triumphed again
Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or award for the third year running after beating off competition from Barcelona team-mate Xavi and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi, 24, joins the likes of former France international Michel Platini as having won the prestigious accolade three times.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who recently celebrated 25 years in charge at Old Trafford received the Fifa presidential award for services to football.
Barcelona midfielder Xavi, who was shortlisted for the award for the third year, received 9.23 per cent of the vote.
Pep Guardiola scooped the coach of the year award after guiding Barcelona to five trophies in 2011.
Guardiola beat Ferguson and Real Madrid boss José Mourinho, who won the prize last year, to scoop the coach award.
Brazil international Neymar won the Puskas award for the most beautiful goal of 2011 for his stunning solo effort against Flamengo last year.
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