Messi Messi Messi

The non conventional trifecta of soccer. It wasn't a hat-trick, and it wasn't 3 World Cup appearances. On Monday, Barcelona F Lionel Messi received the FIFA Ballon D'Or, an award which recognizes the best soccer player in the last year. Beating out rival Cristiano Ronaldo and teammate Xavi Hernandez, Messi won his third award in as many years, a first in the presentation of the prestigious award. This 3rd award now puts him in talks of joining greats like Maradona, Pele, Zidane and Ronaldo. Messi scored 61 goals in 71 appearances in 2011, with goals coming in Barcelona or while sporting his native colors of blue and white for Argentina. And while he isn't my favorite player (see, Chicharito Hernandez), I really like Messi. He's just enjoying the game and his time as king. You hardly see him frustrated or calling out teammates. It's like he's a little kid playing his favorite sport. He is the face of the sport right now, yet you don't see him selling out or demanding more money. Not only is he a crowd favorite, but a player favorite as well. He's won multiple championships during his time with Barcelona, all that's left is the World Cup. If and when that happens, I think he'll be a soccer legend for the ages. As for now, he's a tremendous talent on a superior team, and he shows no signs of slowing down. And to Cristiano Ronaldo....