Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has won the inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or at an awards ceremony held in Zurich, Switzerland. The 23-year-old won ahead of Barcelona team mates Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
Iniesta and Xavi had been favorites to win the award, after helping Spain win the World Cup last year. Messi failed to score a goal or produce his best form at the tournament in South Africa.
It was the first time the accolade has been awarded since the decision to merge FIFA's World Player of the Year with France's European Footballer of the Year prize. Messi won both awards last season.
Votes were cast by the coaches and captains of national teams and by selected journalists. Marta of Brazil was named FIFA Women's World Player of the Year for the fifth year in a row.