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I get asked the following question far too often: 'Who will win the Ballon d'Or, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?'
Let's be clear: Individual awards such as the Ballon d'Or are more of a publicity stunt than exact science and, as such, we shouldn't give them too much importance.
Football is a team game, which makes the job of choosing the 'best' player very ambiguous: Lionel Messi scored 73 goals for Barcelona last season, does that make him the best player? Could Andres Iniesta have won the 'Best Player Of Euro 2012' if he hadn't played around Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets or Xavi Hernandez? What else must Iker Casillas do to win the Ballon d'Or?
It is virtually impossible to decide which player had the most influence on their teams. The criteria to explain why one player is better than the other isn't clear so giving a definite answer is impossible.
Having said all of the above, here are 3 players who, in my opinion, would be deserved winners of the Ballon d'Or this season:
Lionel Messi
I bet you are definitely not surprised that the Argentinian Genius made Top 3. It's obvious that a player who managed to beat all goalscoring records in a single season deserves the award. As I always say, numbers never lie: 73 goals, 29 assists in 60 appearances for Barcelona.
Lionel Messi is such an influential player that he manages to attract attention from rivals and teammates alike. If you play against him, your mind should be prepared to expect the unexpected, you never know what the Little Wizard may come up with next. When La Pulga is on your side, your subconscious drives you to pass him the ball when games turn ugly, as if he had the magic key to open rival defenses.
During 2012, Barcelona suffered from over-reliance on La Pulga, making our attack too predictable at times. As I explained in this previous article, Barcelona dropped only 2 points this season in the 25 league matches in which Messi scored but won only 3 of the 12 games in which Messi failed to find the net.
While we would all love to see at least 6 players scoring over 20 goals per season, reality shows that Lionel Messi was able to take responsibility and cover the goalscoring gaps created by the poor return from players such as David Villa, Pedro or Alexis Sanchez.
From an individual point of view though, it can't be denied: Lionel Messi is the most influential striker in world football, as his stats show.
If being the best player in the world is about goals, determination and leading a club team forward, then Lionel Messi should lift the Ballon d'Or in 2012.
Xavi Hernandez
Xavi Hernandez is one of those players every successful team needs. The Catalan Master is the leader behind the most successful Barcelona and Spain teams in history.
Xavi represents everything that's great about the Blaugranas: Leadership, attacking essence, determination to improve, inspiration to others and love towards our colours. Promoted to the first team under Pep Guardiola's shadow, Xavi went on to surpass his master at club and nation level, reaching success beyond his wildest dreams.
Wherever I go, people ask me about the Barcelona 'Pass and Move' philosophy - or, as we call it, tiki-taka possession football. For me, Xavi Hernandez is the true soul of our system, the true representation of the idea that sparked in Johan Cruyff's mind many years ago.
Xavi explained: "Barcelona play attacking football. We are not speculative, we don't wait. We pressure, we want possession, we want to attack. Some teams can't or don't pass the ball. That's not football. We think quickly, look for spaces. That's what I do: look for spaces. All day. I'm always looking. All day, all day. Here? No. There? No. Space, space, space. I see the defender here, so I play it there. I see the space and pass"
If being the best player in the world is about establishing a footballing style that has brought unprecedented success to club and country, then Xavi Hernandez should lift the Ballon d'Or in 2012.
Iker Casillas
Yes, you read that right. And no, I'm not about to become a Real Madrid fan any time soon. However, I must admit that the part that Iker Casillas has played over the years while on international duty with Spain is beyond remarkable.
If we analyse the list of Ballon d'Or winners over the years, we quickly realize that the last defensive player to win was Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 and the last goalkeeper, Lev Yashin in... wait for it... 1963!
Historically, individual awards in football have been given to players who netted many goals. Sure, goals are the essence our game but the impact from more defensive players is crucial for shared success. A clear example: Who was more important to Real Madrid during the Galacticos era: Claude Makélélé or Raul Gonzalez? For me, it was definitely the Frenchman!
Iker Casillas has been excellent for club and country for many years. While I still believe Victor Valdes is the best goalkeeper Barcelona could possibly have, I must admit that I admire the sense of security, professionalism and charisma that Iker transmits to his team whenever he puts those gloves on.
Iker Casillas recently explained: "The Ballon d’Or should be won by the player most deserving. Clearly, goalkeepers are not well appreciated in this type of awards, but I think we have the same right to win the Ballon d’Or as any of the other players take the field in every game. Now they say that I can win it, but it's not something that I obsess over."
If being the best player in the world is about excelling at your position over a continued number of years while leading the most successful national team in history, then Iker Casillas should lift the Ballon d'Or in 2012.
Have Your Say
What did you think of this article?
Who should win the 2012 Ballon d'Or: Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez or Iker Casillas?
Are there any other players who should have made my shortlist?
Did I miss out on any important points you would like to share with us?
I welcome and appreciate all respectful feedback.
Força Barça!!
Posted by: Francesc Tomàs
Founder and columnist at www.barcablog.com
Join our 28,200 followers on Facebook or Twitter
Comments
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Posted by vij on 07/25/2012
nice try by saying ballon d'or is not important in the first para, as its a team game, and then you do your best get messi in the competition. what did he achieve by scoring 73 goals, copa del rey. his goals are nothing just numbers like cristiano ronaldo scored last season. This season definitely cristiano made the difference, scoring the only goal against rayo's(back heel) scoring the winning goal against barca, that made the team to regain the 7 point lead, taking the portugal team to semi-finals.
any dumb person would say that ballon d'or is belong to CR7.
@FTomas replied: Thanks for your feedback. I am sure that you are aware that Lionel Messi won 4 titles with Barcelona: Copa Del Rey, Spanish Supercup, European Supercup and Club World Cup last season. Cristiano Ronaldo won one trophy (La Liga) but, as Messi, didn't do so by himself: Benzema (32 goals) and Higuain (26) also helped with goalscoring responsibilities. He obviously had a great season but hasn't made my Top 3. As for the 'any dumb person would say that ballon d'or is belong to CR7' - I have no comments to make.
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Posted by Nassyr Ameen on 07/25/2012
Without any comparison messi deserved the award for his fourth term
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Posted by Jay on 07/25/2012
Messi will win every year until he retires. If his numbers and production stays around where it has been the past 4 years.. no question. Messi. He is a game changer. If he was Spanish and played for the national team.. do you think he would have been a better option to use as a striker rather than Torres, Llorente, Negeredo or whoever else Del Bosque wanted to put there?
Spain would have gone undefeated and been even more deadly in attack. There is a clear difference between the play of the Spanish national side and FCB. The difference is Messi. FCB has even more of an attacking pace while the Spanish side can sometimes lack creativity upfront.
Messi is the key.
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Posted by Anonymous on 07/25/2012
Messi should win it for me....
Andrea Pirlo a close second - amazing first season with Juve and player of the Euros for me!
And it would be Ronaldo in 3rd - Although i'd rather Xavi or Iniesta get that spot!
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Posted by temi on 07/25/2012
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Posted by Fasasi yusuf on 07/25/2012
It is well to give d player who deserve dis honor thanks
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Posted by GGGG on 07/25/2012
It's kinda hard to go against 82 ( 73club, 9 country) goals and 32 ( 29 club, 3 country) assists in a single season...That is just crazy. Not to mention that he scored in assisted in all six competition that barca participated in. He also had 2 times more successful through balls than anyone else. If it wasn't for the fact that the other barca forwards were misfiring barcelona would have surely won it. The fact that barca still accumulated 92 points while their second top scorer had 12 goals in la liga...it just goes to show how much Messi did. Without his 11 winners/equalizers ( 5 more than Ronaldo) Barcelona would have finished in 5th place in la liga.
It's between Messi and Casillas for me. Xavi wasn't nearly as influential as he's used to being. I wouldn't complain if CR wins it either. Don't like the guy but he still had an amazing season. Pirlo would also be a worthy winner.
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Posted by farnando gomez on 07/25/2012
i think chistiano ronaldo will the 2012 baloon d or
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Posted by Anonymous on 07/25/2012
Tomas,I agree that each of the above three players deserve the Ballon d'Or but I'll once again go for Leo.Why?...Because i believe the best player shouldn't just be someone who can pass or one with unstoppable shots.I believe it should be given to someone who really makes this game-football, ''beautiful''...It should be given to someone whose ''artistery'' is just unimaginable and these features,I believe Leo possess in abundance.
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Posted by Ambel on 07/25/2012
Ballon d'or candidates will be
1.leo.messi
2.c.ronaldo
3.a.iniesta, and the winner should be:world class 'messi'.
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Posted by Ibad Matokeo on 07/25/2012
Definitly Leo Messi is the most genius soccer player we have on the planet,but Casilas deserves mostly this Ballon dor' award due to his contribution to both club and national team as he captained them at the best this year.Thank you.
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Posted by folabi on 07/25/2012
its a thing that is very glearing. No body deserve it than lionel messi, the little man is a genius. What else are u expecting from him to do again in the history of football, 73 goals and 29 assist in just a season, even most of his colleages from other clubs admired him. Lampard for example he said: one to get close to 70 goals in a season is crazy. Think about it messi is born to play
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Posted by RED FLLOWER on 07/25/2012
FIFA BALON DOR FOR MESSI BECAUSE HE IS ONLY NOT LIKE ANY ONE EVERYONE LOVE HIM AND VOTE FOR HIM.
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Posted by Future messi on 07/25/2012
Ho cares if real won la liga dis year .. Barca has won it for da last 4yrs ... Nd real had cristiano ... And he doesnt even play good against barca .. He only score 2 goals in like 3 OR 4 YRS AGAINST BARCA!!! Messi is da best ever ... He does stuff dat CR cant
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Posted by salim on 07/25/2012
my favourite is messi no doubt
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Posted by Barca fan on 07/25/2012
Ronaldo is supposed to be part of your list with all due respect.He scored against every team in La Liga and helped madrid win the Liga.Though Portugal were out in the semis he was still the main man for them though he didnt start the euro on a high note
El maestro xavi I disagree but the real ballon'dor contenders are La pulga,Ronaldo and Pirlo.This is coming from a Barca fan
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Posted by Anonymous on 07/25/2012
why isn't iniesta there instead of xavi... I certainly feel that xavi has helped develop the philosophy of tiki-taka but i feel iniesta is more skilled. As for the other 2, i totally agree with you... they are deserving candidates.
however, i feel pirlo should get a honory mention... while christina's stats should be printed alongside la pulga's
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Posted by Anonymous on 07/25/2012
Anywho who says Ronaldo shouldn't be a candidate is pathetic. He led Madrid to the league by destroying athletico in the Madrid derby, and sealing the season by finishing barca with that final goal. He was great for country and club. If he doesent win it he definitely should've been nominated. Messi wasn't a clutch player this year. He scored 5 goals in one game yet couldn't score in the last few clasico's, against Chelsea, and didn't preform against velencia, Sevilla, and only scored against ac milan because of penalties. His numbers were great but not when his team needed him. As for xavi his season was one of his worsts. Iniesta deserves it way more. The nominees should be Messi, ronaldo, then iniesta with Messi winning it. Anyone who thinks Ronaldo shouldn't be nominated is getting personal feelings involved and had no credibility. With all due respect to pirlo and Casillas. I just don't see it happening
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Posted by nora. on 07/25/2012
Agree with the Frances thomas it wont surprice me if Lionel Messi wins again, but I amsure that Messi will be quiet happy to see iniesta or xavi to win the baloon de oro. Messi would be happy to give away his baloon de oro as long his wins the world cup 2014,however we think, it is up to the footballl managers, players and journalist,to do the voting, and any how i believe it is a bit earlier to think about this award. we still have the football season to star soon, and maybe things may change bay then.Other candidate could be Pirlo,of his football performance and age, but then you have the same problema with xavi, if he does not get the baloon de oro in 2012 he may not get it at all as he not getting any younger. Pepole talk about Ronaldo,he won la liga and score goals, but I believe if i am not wrong it is about performance of the player, titles, sportmanship,helping others to score,sharing results than demostrate egoism. It is difficult to choose. lets hope they get it wright.
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Posted by Austin on 07/25/2012
Your writing is very interesting, Messi, Xavi and iniesta deserve the award. Iker is one of the best goalkeepers in the world no doubt but i quite disagree with people who think that Iker is better than Valdes. For four seasons now Valdes has been the best La Liga goalkeeper consecutively. If Valdes were the first choice at the world and euro 2012 the result would have been the same. Iker is living on Barcelona style of play, midfield play and holding of possession. Iker conceded nine goals against barcelona last season but when with the national team he conceded less just as it were at the euro 2008, 2012 and SA 2010 world all thanks to barcelona midfielders and style of play.Let take fifa confederation cup held in South Africa as an example, Andrés Iniesta was injuryed and was out of the tournament, xavi was injuryed before a match against US and spain lost 2:0. Iker maintain the first choice goalkeeper just because he is the captain of the nation team.
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Posted by Anonymous on 07/25/2012
Messi - 73 goals 29 assists
C. Ronaldo - 60 gls 15 ast
Huntelaar - 48 goals 8 ast
Gomez - 41 gls 7 ast
Van Persie - 37 gls 9 ast
Ibrahimovic - 35 gls 10 ast
Contribution to total amount of
team goals
Messi - 54% of Barcelona goals
Van Persie - 49% of Arsenal gls
Huntelaar - 48.7% of Schalke gls
Ibrahimovic - 45% of Milan gls
Ronaldo - 43% of R. Madrid gls
Gomez - 40% of Bayern gls
Assists
Messi - 29 ast 73 gls
Ribery - 29 ast 17 gls
Ozil - 24 ast 7 goals
I think we done here,Messi da Best dez eva been!!!
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Posted by Ruairi on 07/25/2012
Who cares what Ronaldo won? The Ballon d'Or is based on individual performances, not that of a whole team. Saying Ronaldo deserves it for scoring a goal against Barça is like saying Agüero deserves it for scoring against QPR and winning the league. It was one match. The award measures consistency, and Messi has been the most consistent player the world has ever known over the past four years. The difference between Barça and Madrid is that two of Barça's wingers and their main striker were all either injured, or had a loss of form throughout the season, whereas Higuain and Benzema were both on top form the whole time. THAT is why Madrid won the league. Not because of Ronaldo. It was a greater team effort from Madrid this season, but the individual brilliance of Messi fails to be outshone yet again. I mean, the guy broke every goal-scoring record available: most goals in a Champions League match, Barça top scorer, La Liga top scorer ever, matching the Champions League record... etc.
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Posted by Drago on 07/25/2012
The most relevant comment about the Balon d'Or is that there should be two awards - one for Messi and one for everyone else. With 73 goals for Barca and 82 in total it should be Leo's again.
However, he may fall victim to a thought that we cant give it to Messi every year. The fact that Barca did not win La Liga or UCL may help to justify such a result. If so, other canditates all have claims. Ronaldo helped Madrid win La Liga. Iniesta was superb at the Euros, and pretty good for Barca as well. Xavi and Casillas would merit a Balon d'Or to recognise their stellar careers. If it was up to me, I would give it Leo.
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Posted by sam on 07/26/2012
Leo messi for me. He has had the best individual season a football player has ever had. If u dont give that the ballon then what do you give the ballon dor. Messi is creating new targets and goals for youngsters. Creating history. Generation will look at his achievements and aspire twards them.
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Posted by Abdulmalike Nuhu on 07/26/2012
I think messi deserve the award again bcos no time he is on fild that you will know him. For me Baland or is for messi
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Posted by BRIGHT NYOYOK on 07/26/2012
Messi is uncomparable: he scored 5 cl goals in in one match...e.t.c
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Posted by Moore16 on 07/26/2012
You can't score 82 goals and get 30 in a season and not win it, also Messi is said to have not even peaked yet and we may see even better from him in years to come. In 2012 for International = Messi: PLayed 3 scored 7... C.Ronaldo: Played 7 scored 3 so Leo also wins by far in that category. Any people saying Messi is nothing without Iniesta or Xavi - Out of Messi's 82 goals this season, less than 11 were assisted by Xavi and Iniesta, if Leo doesn't win the Ballon d'Or 2012, something is wrong
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Posted by Harbephe on 07/26/2012
Pls wat did you expect again, did u know d meaning of messi
M=master of dribuller E=excellent forwarder
S=super of super
S=senior of goal
I=ijaya of futbal
so ther4 leo deserve 2 win it
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Posted by Damoobarc1 on 07/26/2012
Am a full barca fan, but let us be sincere to our self the 3 fanalist are Messi, CR7 and Casilas. To me Messi deserve it but dey wil not gv him,instead dey wil gv Casilas. D reason is dat, dey wont want him(Messi) to create another record wic is 4 ballon d'or, bcos he wil pass dem(Blatter &co).
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Posted by eshushikhu barcelonista messi on 07/26/2012
i love leo messi ... morennn than i love my life.. !!!
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Posted by runonce on 07/26/2012
Messi breaks a great record made by Muller 40 years ago, it is alone more than enough IMO
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Posted by Lwando Pukwana on 07/26/2012
Well its true that if the ballon dor weas decided on goals then messi would surely take it. but thats the thing, its not about goals, it,s about what you do for your team, were the individual has led the team. Ommitting Ronaldo is a mistake only a Barca fan would make and as much as I value your blog I beg to differ. truth of the matter is, the best players to grace football in this generation are messi and Ronaldo. Last season was no different, they were clear game changers. what would make me tip Ronaldo more this season is the fact that he led Madrid to La liga triumph, yes Messi won four cups with Barca but they less significant and they themselfs are dissapointed with last season,s outcomes. Ronaldo has been Madrid,s relationship with goals puting teams to the sword scoring against every team in La liga to insure success for the Los Blancos. In addition to this he had a great run with Portugal as he earn joint top goal scorer, two man of the match performances. plz reply to this
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Posted by RAJ on 07/26/2012
MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.
MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI. MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.
MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI. MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.
MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI. MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.
MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI. MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI. MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI. MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI. MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI.MESSI. MESSI.
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Posted by RIJABUL SAIKH on 07/26/2012
Messi will win the Ballon d'Or award this year.
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Posted by Ajere sk frm Ilorin Alore on 07/26/2012
Messi is d best player in world.He break all d history in football.he dserve 2 win ballon d or dis year.
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Posted by gurung suraj on 07/26/2012
Messi should be winner ballon d or 2012
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Posted by Skido on 07/26/2012
I ve nuffin much 2 say dan d WORLD CLASS LIONEL MERCILESS MERCI IS JUS D RIGHT OWNER...
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Posted by olumide on 07/26/2012
i will give to xavi.....though everyone of them deserves it.
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Posted by Babangida Othman, on 07/26/2012
I was made to understand that the award was based on individual performance, and if so, should be MESSI ...... And messi and messi nobody else.
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Posted by Comfi on 07/26/2012
In my whole life I have never seen one player score so many mind boggling goals in one season. Messi has broken all records that ever existed and I don't think we will see those records being broken again any time soon even by Messi himself. He is the only player that has ever scored five goals in a single champion league game. The guy is a scoring machine and a football genius. Whilst Ronaldo is a brilliant player, I think Messi is in a one in a life time player. I don't think we will see any player like Messi any time soon. We are lucky that we are all living in the time of such a football genius. Whether Messi wins the Ballon D'or or not is not the question. Messi will remain the best footballer in the world and arguably the best player ever.
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Posted by ismail on 07/26/2012
Messi is the GOD of soccer in the Universe ,therefore is ... U̶̲̥̅̊ already know the answer.
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Posted by guy on 07/26/2012
it becomes quiet interesting this debate of ballon d'or,individual performance is necessary for the club to excel,messi,ronaldo,iker,xavi and inestea have done pretty good jobs for club and country as well but it must be only strikers to get the ballon d'or,this year it should be either iker casillas or iniesta or xavi to be ballon d'or winner, they have done great for their clubs and countries.
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Posted by manas on 07/26/2012
aany tthing iis pposibble oonly mmessi ccan ddo this .....hhe iis aa ... mmagic
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Posted by derek osman on 07/26/2012
There is no doubt that the football god is the best...he has broken all the goal scoring records and he definitely deserve to be ballon d'or 2012.c.ronald stands no chance against this football god....he will be the ballon d'or player till he retires and this person am talking about is no other person than Lionel Andres Messi....he is the best and always will be the best......
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Posted by RmS on 07/26/2012
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Posted by Anonymous on 07/27/2012
balottli should win this rewards, he gives too much enjoyment to soccer.
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Posted by Paan83 on 07/27/2012
Since everyone has said that Messi should take the award, so I will start with the 2nd place:
2-> Pirlo
3-> Ronaldo/Van Persie
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Posted by Aril on 07/27/2012
CR7 was the most consistent player this year. He literally scored against everyone he played, except for denmark, spain and germany. Also not only that he came up big when Madrid and Portugal needed him to. Messi has indeed scored many goals and broke many records. However all of his records where quantity. He did show up to and to his goal sheet when it really mattered, like in Chelsea and Madrid in the last el clasico. Also in the copa del rey he only scored three times, and had one assist. So the three major tournaments Messi couldn't do what he normally does. And as for the 4 titles, none but one was a slightly major tournament. And two of them he played in due to last year results. Ronaldo was the most consistent in the big tournaments. And also for those of you saying Ronaldo had Higuain and Benzema, Higuain was injured toward the end, and Benzma was injured during that time for a short run. Ronaldo carried the team by scoring most of there goals,don't say he can't carry likeM10
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Posted by Esan sunday on 07/27/2012
If we looked criticaly at d overall performance nd contribution of a player on field messi deserve d award.
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Posted by Omar on 07/27/2012
Only a Stupid Real Madrid fan would possibly think that Ronaldo deserves this award over Messi. Ronaldo does not fit in the Sentence "Team Player" at all. The only thing this guys cares about is putting up numbers for himself,and becoming the best football in history, but how if he is not even the best footballer in the world right now? That belongs to Messi. I cannot take away that he played a great game against Barcelona in the second clasico of the season, but what did he do in the first one? Messi scored in the first one, just like Ronaldo did in the second one, he also assisted a goal, I don't think Ronaldo had an assist in either clasicos.
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Posted by Anonymous on 07/27/2012
Messi scored 11 winners/equalizers ( 5 more than Ronaldo) in la Liga. Without his winners and equalizers Barcelona drops down to 5th place in La Liga. You could have added the big teams that he scored and assisted against : Real Madrid ( 6 games, 3 goals, 5 assists), Valencia (4 games, 5 goals, 2 assists), Malaga ( 2 games, 6 goals), Bilbao ( 3 games ( 2 goals, 1 assist), Atletico Madrid ( 2 games, 4 goals, 1 assist), Ac Millan (4 games, 3 goals, 3 assists).
Messi was also directly responsible for all 5 of Barca's goals ( 3 goals and 2 assists) in the Spanish super cup against Real. He scored and assisted both of Barca's goals in the UEFA super cup too. He scored twice in the CWC final. Messi basically scorer in assisted in all 6 competitions that he participated in.
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Posted by Sam Samuel on 07/27/2012
Who else apart from messi in every indecation is the one,pls one more time.
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Posted by monira on 07/27/2012
Ronaldo find goal for team,for win.and his team was have a lot top score.messi find goal for himself,for alone and no't top score in his team.
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Posted by Amal on 07/28/2012
Really happy to read this nice article and posts. Messi deserve to win it again and hopefully he will continue playing like previous years. I watched football since late 80's and I never see such goal scorer/creator/dribbles/magic like him.
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Posted by Leo on 07/28/2012
Winning title is MORE of a TEAM effort than scoring goals.
Even considering titles, my friends, as opposed to Ronaldo's league title, Messi has four titles, highest contribution in terms of goals and assists both....remember goals and assists both. The quality of goals is another differentiating factor between Messi and Ronaldo. Messi plays Foot-ball. Ronaldo has had a very nice season and he's very very good but Messi is definitely superior.
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Posted by Fahad on 07/28/2012
Lionel Messi is a complete Player...and as we see the stats We can conclude that Messi is the world's Best Ever.......82 Goals in one season is a Complete Masterpiece! C.Ronaldo could be the Best in the world, If Messi was from another PLANET!
ThankYou :]
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Posted by helen on 07/28/2012
it does not matteer if you score goals but it matters to play really good to be respectful to your club and to always help in so what if Messi has more goals so what but i say Iker Casillas desruves to win
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Posted by Anslem on 07/28/2012
Figures and statistics speak for themselves, really, there is not much of a comparison to Leo Messi he has been the most consistent, influential and reliable player for the past season......no more to be said. If he does'nt win it for the fourth year in a row, something's definately wrong with the system or people who makes the decisions.
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Posted by amit on 07/28/2012
itz CR7!!!!unlike messi...a international flop....cr7 leads madrid alone...unlike messi assisted by xavi inesta...hate barcelona since dat day...wen dey ruined ronaldinho's career to mke messi ahead...nd nw dey r findin neymar in d hunt...to ruin messi's career..
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Posted by JONATHAN on 07/29/2012
MESSI IS THE BEST EVEr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Posted by Joshua on 07/29/2012
You cant really compare so you have a point but read this. If messi never played for Barca during La Liga Barca would have placed fifth. If Ronaldo didnt play for Real Madrid they still would have gotten first but they would have 90 points. SEE THE HUGE DIFFERENCE. Messi means alot to Barca thats why they will never sell him. Barca without Messi is nothing. Messi without Barca is OUT OF THIS WORLD. For Argentina he is basically a playmaker but can be switched to forward. Argentina treat Messi badly and rely on him too much and play bad and waste Messi's efforts but if they play good as a team i bet they could win a world cup. So if they play the same way like they did against Brazil [June 2012] , Spain [August 2010] , Portugal [Feb 2010], they could win a world cup. Who knows??? Maybe even 2014. CONCLUSION: without a doubt LIONEL MESSI
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Posted by Ahmady on 07/29/2012
I was made to understand that the a ward was besed on individual performance. If so messi deserv
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Posted by ishola on 07/29/2012
Messi is the ever great player in all season. On the ballon d'or messi deserve it because of four cup won this season
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Posted by principal david on 07/29/2012
leo leo leo leo leo leo,meeeeeeessssii
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Posted by Steve on 07/30/2012
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Posted by Anonymous on 07/30/2012
CR is a great player. but, he's too proud of himself. and also arrogant. unlike messi. MESSI IS THE BEST. SURE HE DESERVES THE NEXT FIFA BALLON D'OR.
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Posted by Ameh F. J on 07/31/2012
Messi deserve 2 win again, he is the best in the whole world and he wil continue 2 be the best until he retired.
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Posted by Nihar on 08/01/2012
1. Lionel Messi
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
3. Andres Iniesta
4. Xavi Hernandez
If Iniesta become 2nd instead on CR that might be good for everyone.
Leo Messi best best best.........................
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Posted by alex on 08/01/2012
People on this site are surprisingly respectful, i dont like ronaldo but i have so much respect for him,if Messi was not around he would have been by far the best player, he is completely in the shadows of Messi, that doesnt mean i would route for Messi if Ronaldo deserves it more...but c'mon 82goals and 33Assists in a season is just not done anywhere, i feel bad for Ronaldo but i mean am sure even he understands.
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Posted by Aminu Zagga on 08/02/2012
I thnk if d world should cnsider d records dis young chap Messi broke in last season campaign,then if there is any award better than d Ballon d'or,Messi deservs it.No kiddin!
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Posted by Habibbola on 08/02/2012
He does not matter may be he has won it b4 or not if he deser they should giv 2 him
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Posted by JubbaJubba on 08/02/2012
I personally think van persie or Rooney should be in second or third because their goals are amazing. For example Rooney's bicycle kick. If they don't win that's fie but I think they deserve that. Also the reason Rooney doesn't score that much is because he's a team player he passes a lot, i'm not talking about assists just passing.
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Posted by batex on 08/03/2012
well as for me messi deserve to win ballon d,or he is a magicien nobody has ever done what he did in the field of play he is legend u cant compare messi with ronaldo they r not of the same type there is many areas messi do perfom more than ronaldo he create chances and allso utilise chances so he is incopareble in times of present football games now
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Posted by Van on 08/03/2012
In the 2010-2011 season, Ronaldo scored more goals then Messi but Messi helped Barca win the CL and La liga, he was the clear winner.
In 2011-2012 season, Messi scored more goes then Ronaldo but only won the CdR where Ronaldo help Real Madrid bring their 32nd league title home. Carried Portugal to the semifinals in the Euro cup. He deserves the award this year, he was the better player because if you go off logic of scoring goals then Ronaldo should have won last year.
This award has turned into a popularity contest and in the world of biased journalism Messi is a God and Ronaldo is all things evil. Mou nailed it, how can you win the ballon d’oro when your club/country didn’t win any important titles? Back in 2010 Xavi or Iniesta should have won this award for winning the world cup but that just shows you no one looks anywhere besides messi.
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Posted by Jeff on 08/04/2012
Messi is d best dt eva exist in footbal.so he derseve d world best again in 2012,2013 etc
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Posted by Murtala haruna on 08/04/2012
Forget about the one man success, but look at the team success.To me Ronaldo deserb it
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Posted by Anonymous on 08/04/2012
Ok I know many of of u are vouching for messi and ronaldo but what about xavi! I mean he's been playing football for 15 years and hadn't received a single red card that's amazing! I mean he might not score many goals but he's a games changer along with iniesta and he's 32 making him one of the oldest balondor candidates and I believe he deserves that for his recognition since in my perspective he shines both as a team player and an individual ;)
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Posted by chris on 08/05/2012
if this award is for individual performance then C Ronaldo should have it. Messi is always good but take way Xavi or Iniesta you will see that his offensive game is as dead. My vote is for Drougba. he is the best individual player that wins game for you when it matters.
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Posted by leo on 08/05/2012
messi shuld win it again because he deserve it.
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Posted by Ademola on 08/06/2012
All of u dat said messi deserve d baloon'd i don't blame u cos u re barca fans dat is y, av u 4goten 2010 dat it was xavi or sneldjer dat deserve it but due 2 partiality dey gave it 2 messi so if dey give him dis one 2 is not a big deal cos futball has now change 2 politics. But 4 me ronaldo is beta dan messi and he deserve it.
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Posted by sameer on 08/07/2012
A.Iniesta is a bigg name in this race..
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Posted by Marubane[rhuu] on 08/08/2012
I'm real madrid fan,last year's ballon d'or,was supposed to be Xavi's.but instead it went to the magical Messi,the goal of the year also went to world class player NEYMAH instead of Rooney,Decissions are not always fair to everyone.now people are saying Messi should win while others are saying Ronaldo should,i mean both players are exceptional,they can score anywhere and also take defenders on their own,i admire the style of play of both players.i'm a biggest fan of Ronaldo but to me this year's ballon d'or must go to Leo Messi.Like i said, i am a fan of Ronaldo should he win i will celebrate.MAY THE BEST WIN
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Posted by danelsy jimbel angel hakeem on 08/09/2012
lionel messi and no 1 else 4 d 1st place.and if he wins it d 4th time its another record no great futbaler has made in their career.if u watch football and think as a footballer u shld vote for lionel messi,course some of his goals makes u laugh if u see it
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Posted by John on 08/10/2012
Lionel messi is by far more better than c ronaldo he won the highest scorer in la liga, in champion league and highest goal scorer in overall tournaments this season beating record of meuller of munich and to crown it all, won copa de rey cup and netted 73 goals this season with all these messi is more far better than c ronaldo. La liga title is not the decisive factor in giving the award, what about Premier league, Serie A, Bundlesliga, Champions league? So based on overall individual performances, there's no better person than Lionel Messi. We should be talking about the 2nd and 3rd best.
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Posted by Nick on 08/13/2012
Messi's international goals were all friendlies. Last year his team got eliminated in argentinas big tournament fairly early. Ronaldo lead portugal to the semi finals of the Euro which is a much tougher competition. Plus, woo Messi scored 5 goals in one game... they ended up winning 7 - 1 those goals were pointless, easy goals. Anybody can score when the other team is horrible compared to yours. Ronaldo's goals were much more influential to the teams success. Let's not forget his incredible goals, not only the long shots, the free kicks, the headers, the team goals, and he even had some pretty damn good assists. When you score a lot of goals that is cool, but when they don't mean anything to your team's success, it just doesn't matter. I think Ronaldo should win, Messi should be nominated, but should not win. Iniesta, or Casillas deserve it more than Messi does.
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Posted by segun on 08/13/2012
Leo messi the best -----best------
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Posted by rafe on 08/14/2012
Ronaldo will win it..arrogancy will rule over taxidriver n the postman...a complete player will win it
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Posted by joshua on 08/15/2012
let of be sincere to ourselves and to football, the most deserving player in the world for now is.................. LIONEL MESSI.
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Posted by Anonymous on 08/15/2012
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Posted by Abba Gosta on 08/15/2012
Futball is really a wonder.so many players,so many issues,yet the ultimate truth is argentinian star should be crowned the best player on earth.Messi is amazing n he's style scares me,he's done all he could last year.He played with the best of his ability but jst unfortunate that he didn't get the la league or champions league.people says messi can only play when xavi n iniesta r around,well,messi proved them wrong last season by scoring 73 goals and was only assisted by iniesta n xavi in 18 occassions.the kid is jst too magical 2 be real.I am sorry 4 real madrid star who goes boasting around that hes better than messi.Messi will never say something like this,why?because he's soo humble n let people decide on what he display,I wuld lyk ronado to emulate messi's style,la pulga is d chosen one..
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Posted by remi on 08/16/2012
If i could say,who is ronaldo were messi his,d distance is to long!why would pple compare light and darkness,can u c dat is not comparable,messi is far better dan ronaldo
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Posted by Shamsudeen on 08/16/2012
D season we just saw was one of d most interesting seasons in football.There is only 1 issue in contentn.whether Messi or Ronaldo.for d progress of Soccer,i suggest Lionel MESSI shld win.It's nt abt Barca or Madrid.of course d reason why pple are complainiog abt Barca is b.cos they performd below expectatn bt that does'nt mean they did'nt perform.For Madrid,d only thing why pple are praising them is La Liga what abt Champions League,copa del rey.but they have the most solid team over Barca nd Chelsea.they are settling for less and yet they are happy this mentality means surrendering to d power of Barca with only 3 exceptional players compared to madrid with Eight exceptional players.dat was just d difference la liga.FOR BARCA EVERYTHING WAS MESSI LAST SEASON AND HE DELIVERED THE BEST WITHOUT D HELP OF STRIKERS TO COMPLEMENT HIS EFFORT.HE Performed more dan Ronaldo in All the competitions he plays.EVERY OTHER PLAYER IS WAITING TO KNOW WHO WILL TAKE THE 2ND PLACE.MESSI IS THE BEST.
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Posted by samson on 08/16/2012
Messi should be given d balon d' or. Bcoz, he has broken many records last season in his entire career playing football. In Champions league he is d first player 2 score 5 goals in a match n many others. This is enough reason why he should be d winner.
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About
Hola! I am Francesc Tomas. Barcelona is my passion and home-town team. I consider myself lucky to have regularly attended matches at the Camp Nou since the early 1980s. My cousin played for the Barça youth academy, sharing the team with Don Andres Iniesta, which gave me a clear inside view of how our club works behind the scenes. I am also the founder, editor and columnist at Barcablog.com.
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