http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/6008287/lionel-messi-selected-again-fifa-player-year

Second straight year, following 2 top 3 finishes. He is currently 23 years old. Just remarkable.

Im not sure if Im more shocked that Xavi didnt win it, or that he finished 3rd behind Andres Iniesta (as well as Messi).

Either way, amazing day for Barcelona, as all 3 of the finalists are from their squad and all 3 came from their youth academy (ie, not bought like the Yankees lol).

The Fifa 11 was also announced. Casillas, Ronaldo (Real Madrid); Puyol, Pique, Iniesta, Xavi, Villa, Messi (Barcelona); Maicon, Lucio, Snjeider (Inter Milan)

Inters (now Real Madrids) coach, Jose Mourinho took home the inaugural Coach of the Year award.

http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/6008287/lionel-messi-selected-again-fifa-player-year

It would be absurd if he didn't win.

I Wear Pants;632491 wrote:It would be absurd if he didn't win.

He is the best player. But I thought Xavi might steal it since he was the reason Spain broke through in the WC. He is at a 90% pass completion rate. Topped the league in assists. Completed over 100 passes a lot (I think 5 games in the WC). Argued as the greatest center midfielder of all time by some.

I thought the years at Barca would give Messi the edge, but because Spain won the WC and didnt lose a game all year (other than at the WC) that Xavi would edge out Messi in the end.

Certainly no denying that Messi is the greatest talent around though.

No surprise there, no one has been better than Messi.

Messi is the greatest [soccer] player in the world [right now].

6 Spaniards on the all 11 is pretty damn impressive.

Automatik;634133 wrote:6 Spaniards on the all 11 is pretty damn impressive.

5 Barca Spaniards and 6 Barca players in general might be more impressive. Especially since 5 of those 6 came from their youth academy.

I'm a little surprised the Uruguayan head coach didn't make the top 3. I didn't think Pep Guardiola's accomplishments warranted top 3 this year.