Lionel MESSI

Even though Barcelona did not lift a major trophy in 2012 – the Copa
del Rey aside – Lionel Messi continued to go from strength to
strength, amassing goals and records along the way. His
achievements in 2012 included becoming Barça’s all-time leading
goalscorer in official matches when he scored his 233rd goal on 20
March, breaking the record for the number of UEFA Champions
League goals in a single season (14) and, with his 82 goals in all
competitions, he edges ever closer to breaking the record held by
the legendary Gerd Muller (85 goals). The three-time Ballon d’Or
winner was no less impressive for Argentina either, helping them
dominate the South American FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
His career
The diminutive Messi has come an awful long way since making his
first-team debut for Barça in 2004. In amassing a glittering array of
team honours and individual accolades since then, the Argentinian
genius has often been compared with his illustrious compatriot
Diego Maradona, and has proved a worthy bearer of the
famous Albiceleste No10 jersey.
The most elusive of dribblers, Messi has a devastatingly quick turn
of pace and a sixth sense when it comes to scoring goals. The
winner of numerous titles already with his club, all that is missing
on his extensive roll of honour is a FIFA World Cup™ winner's
medal.
In 2011 he was promoted to the captaincy of his national side, with
whom he ended a scoring drought of two years and seven months
in official matches, while the Argentinian superstar reeled off the
trophies again with Barcelona. The Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super
Cup, Spanish League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Champions
League all came Barça’s way last year, with Messi ending the
continent’s premier club competition as the leading scorer for the
third season running.
Messi also picked up the inaugural UEFA Best Player in Europe
Award, ahead of team-mate Xavi and Cristiano Ronaldo.