FIFA Ballon D'Or 2012: Why Lionel Messi Will Make History with Fourth Title

 

Having already joined the elite ranks walked only by legends such as Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten and Michel Platini, January 2013 will see three-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, make football history.
On Thursday 29th November 2012, the Argentine attacker, along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta, was announced as one of those that would make up the final shortlist for the most prestigious individual award in world football, displaying no real surprises.
Since being officially renamed the “FIFA Ballon d’Or” in 2010, Messi has scooped up the only two trophies on offer, as well as claiming the last ever honour when in its original incarnation.
Anyone with an iota of the sport’s knowledge will have heard of Lionel Messi, thus is the Barcelona talisman’s influence on world football since emerging as a truly special talent in the last eight years or so.