
Dec 21 - By Bradley S. Klapper, Associated Press Writer
Lionel Messi added FIFA's World Player of the Year award to his growing list of accolades Monday, completing a nearly perfect campaign in which his club won an unprecedented trio of Spanish and European titles.

Dec 19 - By Paul Logothetis
Barcelona won the Club World Cup on Saturday, beating Estudiantes 2-1 on Lionel Messi's goal in extra time.

Oct 30 - By Associated Press
Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi are on a 23-player shortlist for this year's FIFA player of the year award.

Oct 29 - By John Leicester, AP Sports Columnist
Common wisdom has Lionel Messi of Barcelona as a shoo-in for world soccer player of the year. But Fernando Torres of Liverpool wouldn't be a bad choice, either.

Oct 20 - By Associated Press
Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo thinks Barcelona striker Lionel Messi could succeed him as the best player in Europe by winning the Golden Ball award.

Sep 4 - By Tales Azzoni, Associated Press Writer
Brazilian star Kaka remains hopeful he will be crowned the best soccer player in the world again. For now, he acknowledges Lionel Messi deserves that title.

May 27 - By Robert Millward, AP Soccer Writer
Barcelona did a lot more than beat Manchester United to capture the Champions League alongside its domestic league and cup double.

May 27 - By Paul Logothetis
While Manchester United and Barcelona play for the Champions League trophy, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi may well be squaring off for the right to call himself the world's best player.
Aug 7 - By Associated Press
Lionel Messi has scored in his long-awaited and nearly canceled Olympic debut, inspiring Argentina to a 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast.
Aug 6 - By Associated Press
Argentina coach Sergio Batista says Lionel Messi wants to play for the country's Olympic football team.

Oct 16 - By Associated Press
Gabriel Milito and Lionel Messi scored first-half goals to lead Argentina over Venezuela 2-0 Tuesday night in a World Cup qualifier. Milito beat goalkeeper Renny Vega in the 16th minute with a header off a free kick from Juan Ramon Riquelme.

Apr 23 - By Chris Lehourites, AP Sports Writer
Lionel Messi's spectacular goal for FC Barcelona brought back memories of just how good Diego Maradona used to be.

Aug 12 - By Associated Press
Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho scored two goals and Lionel Messi added a goal and two assists as FC Barcelona beat the New York Red Bulls 4-1 in an international exhibition match Saturday night at Giants Stadium.

Jun 21 - By Raf Casert, AP Sports Writer
In his debut as a World Cup starter, Lionel Messi did everything but give Argentina victory. It didn't matter. In a 0-0 draw with the Netherlands on Wednesday, the Argentines confirmed their role as title contenders and easily earned a second-round match against Mexico.

Jun 16 - By Stephen Wade, AP Sports Writer
Maxi Rodriguez scored two goals and substitute Lionel Messi added another in the 88th minute, leading Argentina to a 6-0 victory over Serbia-Montenegro in Group C on Friday.