Barcelona President Says Messi Is The Best:

"Messi is the best in the world, committed to the club," Laporta enthused to AS.

"He is a great player and has really emerged as a leader. He is scoring goals and is happy. As Pep has said many times, if I see a happy 'Leo' then it shows that things are going well." (Source)

Best Player In The World Set To Become The Best Paid Player At Barcelona:

"Leo should be the highest-paid player in the squad," Laporta told Catalan radio.

"He deserves it. He's the best player in the world and one of the best in football history.

"Messi has already agreed to a new contract. He's content and that's why he's playing the way he is." (Source)

Abidal Says Messi Will Win Next Ballon d'Or:

Eric Abidal tries to convince Franck Ribery to join Barca:

"I told him that I would be happy if he signed for Barca, a perfect club for him and that we will try and win three titles again plus he would play alongside Messi, the next Ballon d’Or winner." (Source)

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While it is the media which votes for the Ballon d'Or winner, here is what the fans of the world think of Messi in 2009 voting at BestPlayerInTheWorld.com:

Lionel Messi 46% (1159 votes)
Cristiano Ronaldo 21% (525 votes)
Steven Gerrard 7% (168 votes)
Andres Iniesta 4% (99 votes)
Fernando Torres 3% (71 votes)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 3% (70 votes)
Kaka 2% (60 votes)
Frank Lampard 2% (44 votes)
Wayne Rooney 1% (36 votes)
Ronaldinho 1% (36 votes)
Andrei Arshavin 1% (29 votes)
Nemanja Vidic 1% (19 votes)
Franck Ribery 1% (17 votes)
Luka Modric 1% (18 votes)
Xavi Hernandez 1% (20 votes)
Robinho 1% (16 votes)
Didier Drogba 1% (18 votes)
Cesc Fabregas 1% (15 votes)
Samuel Eto'o 1% (18 votes)
David Villa 1% (15 votes)
Iker Casillas <1% (12 votes)
Arjen Robben <1% (10 votes)
Ashley Young <1% (9 votes)
Petr Cech <1% (8 votes)
Emmanuel Adebayor <1% (6 votes)
Gianluigi Buffon <1% (7 votes)
Sergio (Kun) Aguero <1% (6 votes)
Karim Benzema <1% (2 votes)

Total Votes: 2513

Real Madrid Players Say Messi Should Win Ballon d'Or:

Cristiano Ronaldo's new teammates, Gonzalo Higuain and Marcelo, say Lionel Messi deserves to be named World Footballer of the Year by the media.

Higuain said: "Today, the last winner of the Ballon d'Or is Cristiano, but this year Leo is going to win because Barca won the Treble. Undoubtedly, he is going to win this year."

And Marcelo added: "I think Messi will be the new Ballon d'Or because even though Cristiano has done well, to win the award it includes many things such as titles won." (Source)

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Vote for the best players at BestPlayerInTheWorld.com

Xavi Gets All Moral On Ronaldo: Wouldn't Want Him To Play For Barca:

"The best player in the world is Lionel Messi and there's no chance he will switch allegiance," Xavi said in Sport.

"We also have Andres Iniesta, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o and with that kind of luxury, we are capable of doing anything.

"As for Ronaldo, I wouldn't want him here. At Barca, we do not have room for players who fill gossip magazines.

"We are hard workers and sportsmen but he, on the other hand, is uncontrollable." (Source)

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Xavi should be careful with that holier than thou attitude - hard work and sportsmanship don't always win. Likability often enables players to win popularity contests and be considered the best player in the world (as Gabriele Marcotti argued) but likability has nothing to do with winning championships.

Here's where Messi and Ronaldo stand today in our popularity contest at Bestplayerintheworld.com:

Lionel Messi 46% (1003 votes)

Cristiano Ronaldo 22% (479 votes)

Steven Gerrard 7% (152 votes)
Andres Iniesta 4% (85 votes)
Fernando Torres 3% (65 votes)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 2% (52 votes)
Kaka 2% (50 votes)
Frank Lampard 2% (39 votes)
Wayne Rooney 1% (30 votes)
Ronaldinho 1% (29 votes)
Andrei Arshavin 1% (24 votes)
Nemanja Vidic 1% (17 votes)
Franck Ribery 1% (16 votes)
Luka Modric 1% (17 votes)
Xavi Hernandez 1% (16 votes)
Robinho 1% (15 votes)
Didier Drogba 1% (16 votes)
Cesc Fabregas 1% (13 votes)
Samuel Eto'o 1% (12 votes)
David Villa 1% (12 votes)
Iker Casillas 1% (11 votes)
Arjen Robben <1% (9 votes)
Ashley Young <1% (8 votes)
Petr Cech <1% (8 votes)
Emmanuel Adebayor <1% (6 votes)
Gianluigi Buffon <1% (6 votes)
Sergio (Kun) Aguero <1% (5 votes)

Total Votes: 2195

Mascherano Says That Messi Is The Best Player In The World:

'Without doubt, Messi is the best player in the world,' he said. 'To have him close by is a privilege. He knows no bounds in football.'

Can he be as good as Maradona? 'Time will tell, but it is certain that no one can be sure that he won't be. That puts him on a very high level, among the best in history, without doubt.' (Source)

Barca Coach Says Messi And Iniesta Are Better Than Kaka And Ronaldo:

Messi and Iniesta combine for that beautiful, stunning game-winning goal against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final:




Barca’s assistant coach, Tito Vilanova:

“They are strengthening their squad and Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka are both great players. But it is something that they had to do because they lost ground on us last season.

“Besides, we have Iniesta, the best midfielder in the world and Messi, the best forward. In my opinion, they are better than Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo,” he boomed proudly. (Source)

Here's where the four players stand in bestplayerintheworld.com world-wide-fan-voting as of 630pm Eastern Standard Time on Friday June 19, 2009:

1. Lionel Messi 46% (928 votes)

2. Cristiano Ronaldo 22% (456 votes)

Steven Gerrard 7% (145 votes)

4. Andres Iniesta 4% (77 votes)

Fernando Torres 3% (60 votes)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic 2% (46 votes)

7. Kaka 2% (43 votes)

Frank Lampard 2% (35 votes)
Wayne Rooney 1% (28 votes)
Ronaldinho 1% (27 votes)
Andrei Arshavin 1% (22 votes)
Nemanja Vidic 1% (15 votes)
Franck Ribery 1% (16 votes)
Didier Drogba 1% (14 votes)
Xavi Hernandez 1% (13 votes)
Robinho 1% (14 votes)
Iker Casillas 1% (11 votes)
Cesc Fabregas 1% (13 votes)
Arjen Robben <1% (9 votes)
Samuel Eto'o 1% (11 votes)
Luka Modric 1% (15 votes)
Petr Cech <1% (6 votes)
David Villa <1% (9 votes)
Emmanuel Adebayor <1% (5 votes)
Gianluigi Buffon <1% (6 votes)
Sergio (Kun) Aguero <1% (5 votes)
Ashley Young <1% (7 votes)

Total Votes: 2036

Barca Will Not Try To Compete With Real Madrid's Big Signings Because They Already Have...

...the Best Player In The World:

Lionel Messi:



"Identifying suitable signings is a tough task at any club, but is made even harder by the tenets that Barcelona hold dear. The club's 4-3-3 formation is sacrosanct, and players must fit in with the short, intricate passing game that the club has always propagated."

"Unlike at Real, players will not be signed simply because they are among the best in the world. They must also fit the system."

"We already have the best player in the world, Lio Messi," said Laporta. "But the most important thing that we have is a team that works. For our rivals, it's normal that they do their best to be more competitive than they were last season. Like I told you, they sign names, and we have a team." (Source)

Based on Messi's standing in the Bestplayerintheworld.com world-wide-fan-poll as of 4pm Eastern Standard Time on Friday June 19, 2009, Laporta is absolutely Correct:

Lionel Messi 46% (928 votes)
Cristiano Ronaldo 22% (454 votes)
Steven Gerrard 7% (145 votes)
Andres Iniesta 4% (76 votes)
Fernando Torres 3% (60 votes)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 2% (46 votes)
Kaka 2% (43 votes)
Frank Lampard 2% (35 votes)
Wayne Rooney 1% (28 votes)
Ronaldinho 1% (27 votes)
Andrei Arshavin 1% (22 votes)
Nemanja Vidic 1% (15 votes)
Franck Ribery 1% (16 votes)
Didier Drogba 1% (14 votes)
Xavi Hernandez 1% (13 votes)
Robinho 1% (14 votes)
Iker Casillas 1% (11 votes)
Cesc Fabregas 1% (13 votes)
Arjen Robben <1% (9 votes)
Samuel Eto'o 1% (11 votes)
Luka Modric 1% (15 votes)
Petr Cech <1% (6 votes)
David Villa <1% (9 votes)
Emmanuel Adebayor <1% (5 votes)
Gianluigi Buffon <1% (6 votes)
Sergio (Kun) Aguero <1% (5 votes)
Ashley Young <1% (7 votes)

Total Votes: 2033

One Best Player To Another: Kaka Declares Messi To Be The Best Player In The World. Vote At Bestplayerintheworld.com:

"Kaka also said he believes Argentine striker Lionel Messi of Barcelona should be declared best player in the world, but hopes Madrid will overcome its archrival.

"I hope this Barcelona domination ends and that Real Madrid wins the new titles,'' Kaka said. (Source)

Beckenbauer Says Ribery Is Equal To Messi and Ronaldo. Do You Agree? Vote At Bestplayerintheworld.com:

Beckenbauer is either trying to keep Ribery at Bayern or trying to improve his team's negotiating position through the media:

"I can see only two solutions: Ribery extends his contract so the issue is dealt with or we release him,'' he said.

"I rate Ribery alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and (Lionel) Messi as the best footballers in the world at present,'' he added in the Bild newspaper. (Source)

You'll recall that recently Bayern's manager Uli Hoeness claimed that one of Ribery's legs alone was worth 50 million Euros.

When You Are The Best Player In The World: Younger Players Look Up To You:

Like Bojan Krkic:



"[Lionel] Messi is the best player in the world and people recognise that. He generates positive energy at all times and I try to look on and learn. The way he plays is unbelievable," said Bojan to Goal.com Spain.

"I have seen him play a lot and it is impossible to highlight a weakness. He has everything," added Bojan. "He has a great ability to score, but above all else he is a great person." (Source)

Alves Not Afraid Of Kaka Joining Real Because Barcelona Has The Best Player In The World:

“Kaka is an exceptional player, but Messi, for everything he has done this season, is above everyone else. Right now, he’s the best in the world.

“But a king never loses his crown and Kaka was a former Ballon d’Or winner.” (Source)

Real Madrid President Promises To Sign Two Of The Top Three Best Players In The World:

"Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the best players in the world,'' Perez told Atena 3.

"I'm going to work to bring Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.

"I've been here a few days and neither (former president, Vicente) Boluda nor anyone else has talked to me about this supposed agreement.

"What would be very good is to see these great players at Real Madrid this season. Cristiano would be one of these.'' (Source)

Here's where Perez's best three rank with the fans of the world at bestplayerintheworld.com as of 4:00 pm Eastern Standard Time on Thursday June 4, 2009:

Lionel Messi 45% (733 votes)
Cristiano Ronaldo 23% (367 votes)
Steven Gerrard 7% (116 votes)
Andres Iniesta 4% (58 votes)
Fernando Torres 3% (52 votes)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 3% (42 votes)
Kaka 2% (38 votes)

Wayne Rooney 2% (25 votes)
Ronaldinho 1% (22 votes)
Frank Lampard 1% (23 votes)
Andrei Arshavin 1% (20 votes)
Nemanja Vidic 1% (14 votes)
Didier Drogba 1% (12 votes)
Xavi Hernandez 1% (11 votes)
Franck Ribery 1% (10 votes)
Cesc Fabregas 1% (9 votes)
Arjen Robben <1% (8 votes)
Samuel Eto'o <1% (8 votes)
Robinho <1% (7 votes)
Petr Cech <1% (6 votes)
Emmanuel Adebayor <1% (5 votes)
Iker Casillas <1% (7 votes)
Gianluigi Buffon <1% (5 votes)
David Villa <1% (5 votes)
Luka Modric <1% (5 votes)
Sergio (Kun) Aguero <1% (4 votes)
Ashley Young <1% (3 votes)

Total Votes: 1615

Sports Illustrated Calls Messi "The Best Player In The World":

"If there were still any doubts, Lionel Messi last week proved he is the best player in the world after playing a key role in Barcelona's victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final. Messi wasn't at his best that day, but he still made the difference, scoring Barça's second goal with a spectacular header.

"That strike was a fitting moment for Messi, who not only finished as the highest scorer of the competition with nine goals, but as the most valuable player. Those accomplishments, coupled with his starring role in helping Barça claim the Spanish league championship and the Copa del Rey this season, make him a virtual lock to win the FIFA World Player of the Year Award for 2009." (Source)

Mascherano Says FIFA Must Name Messi The Best Player In The World:

"FIFA doesn't have any excuse now for (not) naming Messi as the best player in the world.

"He is going to win the golden ball. He showed his capacity to keep on fighting and, after what he did against Manchester United, he showed that he is the best." (Source)

Robinho Says That Messi Proved He Is The Best Player In The World:

“Messi proved without a doubt he’s the best.” (Source)

Coach Guardiola Says It In Spanish: Messi Is The Best Player In The World:

Vote at mejorjugadordelmundo.com

Desailly Wants The World To Forget About Messi And Ronaldo And Focus On Others:

"They're top players but neither of them are bigger than their own team" he added.

"They are two elements that can make the difference, but at this level you don't really have one player who can be decisive, [you win] collectively. It will be very difficult for those two because they're under a lot of pressure.

"Let's forget about them; you have Andres Iniesta, who is a magic player, you have Wayne Rooney who is a world-class player already. These are beautiful things that you have to see as well." (Source)

Rome Press Conference (Video): Sir Alex Yuks It Up And Refuses To Name The Best Player In The World:

“They are two fantastic footballers, both with the ability and courage to attack defenders all the time,” Ferguson said diplomatically. “No matter how many times they get tackled, they get up and want the ball. Physically, they are different, but at the end of the day, how can you divide them? It’s very difficult.” (Source)

Xavi Should Write Ad Copy For Adidas: He Claims Messi Can't Be Compared To Any Player In The World, Including Ronaldo:

“With respect to Cristiano and all the rest of the very good footballers there are today in the panorama of football, Messi is showing everybody he is the No 1,” Xavi said. “For me he is the best footballer in the world.

“He is different; there is not another player like him. You can’t compare him with anyone else because they will end up getting burnt. He is the best. For me the things he is showing mean that he is the best. I haven’t seen anything like him, either on a pitch or in training. To have him with us is fantastic and, truthfully, I wouldn’t swap him for anybody.” (Source)