Lionel Messi agreed to a new contract with Barcelona on Tuesday that will keep him with the Spanish powerhouse through 2018.
Lionel Messi narrowly stayed on top of AP's Global Soccer Rankings this week despite breaking the record for goals in a calendar year. The Barcelona great finished one point ahead of Spanish league rival Radamel Falcao, who scored five goals for Atletico Madrid.
Lionel Messi broke German great Gerd Mueller's 40-year-old record for most goals in a year by scoring for the 86th time in 2012 on Sunday.
Art snobs must forgive the analogy, but when Lionel Messi collapsed in pain and fear on the Camp Nou turf clutching the back of his priceless left knee, it felt for a moment as though Leonardo da Vinci had mangled his painting hand just as he was about to apply the final brushstrokes to the Mona Lisa.
Lionel Messi moved back to the top of the AP Global Soccer rankings, and Barcelona stayed No. 1 in the team poll after a 4-0 win over Levante in the Spanish league.
Lionel Messi has returned to the top of the AP Global 10 soccer rankings by breaking Pele's 54-year-old goal-scoring record with his 76th tally, while Bayern Munich's stunning form propelled the German club to the top of the team list.
Lionel Messi has returned to the top of the AP Global 10 soccer rankings by breaking Pele's 54-year-old goal-scoring record with his 76th tally, while Bayern Munich's stunning form propelled the German club to the top of the team list.
Inter Milan moved to the top of the AP Global 10 soccer rankings by The Associated Press on Tuesday, replacing Barcelona after ending Juventus' 49-match unbeaten run.
The Associated Press has released its inaugural AP Global Soccer 10 rankings, with Lionel Messi voted the best soccer player in the world and his Barcelona team the top-rated club.
