Messi Wins 2012 Ballon d'Or - Twitter Reacts
Football's finest Lionel Messi collected his unprecedented fourth Ballon d'Or trophy last night, superseding Marco van Basten, Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini to confirm his legendary status as one of history's greatest. As another record fell and the news of Messi's achievement broke, Twitter was quick to lavish praise on the Barcelona superstar. 
Lionel Messi was voted the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012 winner by the coaches and captains of the national teams of the 209 FIFA Member Associations and a selected group of media. Messi won the FIFA Ballon d Or after polling 41.60% of the votes, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo on 23.68% and AndrÉs Iniesta on 10.91%.
Former Ballon d'Or winner Michael Owen quickly jumped at the opportunity to remind everyone (his Twitter trolls) of his golden ball trophy. The then Liverpool striker beat Real Madrid legend Raul to the award in 2001, joining a select band of English players to add their name to the trophy.
The most important words of the night were spoken by the man himself. After being handed the trophy by Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro, Messi said of his achievement: "To tell you the truth this is really quite unbelievable. The fourth award that I have had is just too great for words."
"I would like to recognise my other colleagues from Barcelona; Andres it has been great to train and play alongside you. I would also like to recognise my friends in the Argentina team, everyone that has worked with me, coaches and staff and my family and friends. Also my wife and son."
At just 25 years old, how many more Ballon d'Or awards can Lionel Messi go on to win? Let us know. Join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
