“World Soccer” has selected Messi as best player of 2012

World Soccer Magazine 2013 January

Leo Messi has been chosen as 2012’s best player in the world by the magazine ‘World Soccer’, with 47,33% of the votes, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, who picked up 19,01% and Andrés Iniesta, who picked up 9,77%. Votes were cast by fans and a specialist jury.

This is the third time that the Argentinean has received the award, after getting it in 2009 and 2011 , more than any other player except Ronaldo, who also won it three times. The Argentinean is one of four Barça players included in the ideal World XI.

Four Barça players in ideal XI

Messi is joined by Jordi Alba, Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta in the magazine’s ideal XI, alongside Casillas, Lahm, Ramos, Kompany, Pirlo, Falcao and Cristiano Ronaldo.