FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011

As most of you have known, Lionel Messi was crowned as football's Best Player of 2011. Me personally, thought the award should've gone to his FC Barcelona teammate, Xavi Hernandez. Yes Messi scores goals, yes Messi can turn around a game with a single moment of magic, but I personally think Xavi is a midfield genius, the backbone/engine room of FC Barcelona, the visionary, the pass master and has an eagle eye when attacking the opponent. What amazes me more is that he has some sort of telepathic understanding with another midfield genius, Andres Iniesta. I really hope that one day, Xavi Hernandez will win the FIFA Ballon d'Or award as the best player in the world.

The star-studded FIFA Ballon d'Or awards hit Zurich once more in a celebration of the world's finest football players. As expected, Lionel Messi stole the show, taking home his third Ballon d'Or Award in as many years. Teenage sensation Neymar pipped Messi and Wayne Rooney to the FIFA Puskas Award, while Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola landed the FIFA Coach of the Year Award.

The record-breaker landed the prestigious treble after another spectacular year. Lionel Messi propelled Barcelona to another five titles in 2011, including the La Liga title, the Champions League, the Spanish Supercopa, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup. Not forgetting to mention the incredible 55 goals in 57 games that Leo netted in a Barca shirt. At just 24 years old Messi is already judged as one of football's all-time greats.

In an attempt to show that the night wasn't all about Barcelona and Real Madrid players, Old Trafford representatives Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic found themselves in the FIFPro World XI line-up. The final eleven, chosen by the FifPro group of players' unions, comprised entirely of Barca, Real Madrid and Manchester United players.

Finally the FIFA Puskas Award was awarded to a man (boy) who will be attending many more FIFA Ballon d'Or Award ceremonies in the future. Brazilian teenager Neymar was presented with the award for his stunning solo goal in Santos's 5-4 defeat to Flamengo in July, beating both Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney in the votes.