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Messi can play messiah for Fifa

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In the time Fifa is drowned in corruption scandals, Messi's democratic selection makes the football fans heave a sigh of relief.

Published: Wed 13 Jan 2016, 6:09 PM

Lionel Messi has once again clinched the Fifa Ballon d'Or prize in Zurich. This is the fifth time the Argentine Barcelona player raised the cup, a record achievement. He beat his Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo and fellow Barca player Neymar this time, after watching the former taking the prize for last two years, in 2013 and 2014. And another great achievement for the player is that he had been there at the Ballon d'Or ceremony for eight consecutive years. And that too, competing with Ronaldo.
Now, the Messi-Ronaldo battle could be considered over, as Messi is leading on a 5-3 score and Ronaldo could catch the Argentine only if he wins two more times. Considering the age, Ronaldo is unlikely to beat Messi as at 28, the Barca ace man is on advantage here, too, against the Real Madrid star's 31.
The win has been predictable for Messi, who continued a career of success in 2015. After missing the award last year to Ronaldo, his life on the playground had been incredible, taking Barca to victory in five championships, including Champions League and Club World Cup.
In the time Fifa is drowned in corruption scandals, Messi's democratic selection makes the football fans heave a sigh of relief. One thing to notice was that the function in the absence of Sepp Blatter and presided over by his deputy Issa Hayatou was much gentle one, without the usual drama. Hayatou made it clear in his short speech that Fifa or football is not corrupt, but a few individuals are.
The year 2016 is going to be a decisive year for world football, with a new president stepping in for Fifa and, possibly, the corruption scandal settling down. That will add colours to the Ballon d'Or prize in 2016, hopefully to be won by Messi once again for the sixth time.



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