The 22-year-old beat off competition from club mates Xavi and Andres Iniesta, and Real Madrid duo Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, last year's winner.

Messi enjoyed an exceptional campaign with Barcelona, inspiring the Catalans to the treble with a staggering 36 goals in all competitions.

"This is the best way to end a magnificent year for Barcelona, my team-mates and for me, Thanks a lot," said the livewire forward.

Messi beat Portuguese ace Ronaldo with a huge margin of 721 points. Xavi came third, Kaka fourth and Iniesta fifth.

Ronaldo, however, won the Puskas award for the best goal of the year, thanks to his blockbusting winner against Porto in the Champions League last term.

Brazilian Marta won the Women's award for the fourth year in a row.