Lionel Messi has been presented with the Golden Boot for being the top league goalscorer in Europe
Argentine superstar wins third award of the year
Lionel Messi has been presented with the Golden Boot award for being the top domestic league goalscorer in Europe last season.
The Argentine superstar scored 34 goals in La Liga for Barcelona last season to help them to the Spanish title.
Messi has now won all three major individual awards of the Golden Boot, Fifa World Player of the Year and the Ballon d'or for the European footballer of the year.
Tied for second place were Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and Udinese forward Antonio di Natale, who both scored 29 goals apiece.
The 22-year-old becomes the second Barca player to win the award following Brazilian Ronaldo's success in 1997, where he also scored 34 goals.
Special
"All awards are special, but it is thanks to the help of my team-mates that I have won," Messi said.
"I'lI just try to play well and do the things as best I can for my team and my coach."
Barca captain Carles Puyol also hailed Messi's ability, stating him to be the greatest on the planet.
"He is the best in the world, but he is humble. He improves everyday," Puyol said before the awards ceremony.
"He is the best player in the world and he demonstrated that he deserves this award."
