FCBARCELONA.CAT

20.12.2009 11:40

World press praise Barça

www.fcbarcelona.cat

FC Barcelona have won global praise after winning the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday against Estudiantes to complete a dream year that has seen the team win six major trophies.

Pep Guardiola's side were already touted as being the best in the world and this weekend they proved it by winning the tournament in Abu Dhabi and complete an unprecedented 12-month haul of silverware.

Below is how the Blaugrana's success was reported in various countries.

Argentina

The Argentinian mass media focussed on Lionel Messis' winning goal that capped a year for him that has seen him win the Ballon d'Or. "Stabbed in the chest" Olé's headline read while Clarín's online publication stated "Messi on top of the world" and claimed that "la Pulga is the hero once again as he helped Barça to triumph in the only trophy they had yet to win."

Rest of the world

The New York Times exclaimed "Barça won the Club World Cup by beating Estudiantes to win their sixth trophy". La Gazzetta dello Sport led with "Barça dominate the world" and "the perfect season does exist". "Barça win the Club World Cup thanks to a winner from Messi in extra time."

In the French press L'Equipe explained that Barça had a "perfect year" and they emphasised "the team won in Abu Dhabi thanks to the team's courage, Pedro's equaliser and Lionel Messi, who showed why he deserves the Ballon d'Or". In Brazil O Globo carried "Barça finished 2009 adding another trophy to their collection".