Messi, who was runner-up the last two years, received 1,047 points in voting. Ronaldo was second with 352 points, followed by Xavi with 196 points.
Messi scored 38 goals in 51 matches in all competitions during 2008-2009 season, and has continued with 15 goals in 22 games this campaign as Barcelona have surged to the top of La Liga and back to the Champions League knockout phase.
Maradona has labeled Messi his “successor” on the field, and Messi has already surpassed the former great in terms of successes at club level
He said: “I would like to thank all the colleagues who voted for me. It is a great honour to get this award as this comes from colleagues from other teams.
“This means that a magnificent year for Barcelona ends in a magnificent way for me and Barcelona.”
FIFA announced its first World XI men’s team, which included six players from the Spanish La Liga and five from the English Premier League.
Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas was chosen as goalkeeper, with Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra joining Chelsea’s John Terry and Barcelona’s Dani Alves in defense. Xavi, Iniesta and Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard were picked as midfielders, with Messi, Ronaldo and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres in attack.
Ronaldo was honored at the gala for scoring the best goal of 2009, a 40-meter shot against Porto in last season’s Champions League.
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