The FIFpro World Player of the Year Lionel Messi received his first FIFA World Player of the Year award at the FIFA World Player Gala 2009 in Zurich, on December 21.
Lionel Messi beat runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo and former winner Ricardo Kaka, as well as team mates Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta to get the honor.Click here to read Lionel Messi's quote on the award.