FCBARCELONA.CAT

22.02.2008 14:23

Messi, best Iberian-American player

Aleix Santacana

Leo Messi has collected a trophy this Thursday from the EFE agency that accredits him as being the best Iberian-American player of the 2006-2007 season.

The presentation of the award took place in the Camp Nou, and involved the presence of EFE agency president, Álex Grijelmo; the president de la Liga de Futbol Professional, José Luis Astiazarán; the president of Futbol Club Barcelona, Joan Laporta; the vice president for sport at Barça, Marc Ingla; and Barça’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain.

Most consistent player

The EFE agency believes that Messi was the most consistent player of the past season. He played 26 league games and was given an average score of 6.53 a game, which means he takes the baton from previous winners of the award, who include Sevilla right back Dani Alves, and 2004 winner Ronaldinho.

The president of the EFE agency, Álex Grijelmo, praised the way Messi plays and said he sets an example for all young people as “any kid, no matter what their size, can dream of becoming a world famous footballer”.

Laporta wanted to point out that “Messi is one of ours, he has been here for 12 years. He is an extraordinarily talented footballer who has grown up at Barça and who we hope to enjoy until the end of his career”.

A motivating trophy

Messi collected the trophy while watched by his parents and his captain Carles Puyol, and thanked his family for being there with him and commented that “this trophy gives me even more motivation to keep growing and learning”.