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It's Between Lionel Messi And Andres Iniesta - Bhaichung Bhutia On FIFA World Player Of The Year Award

It’s Messi all the way...

23-Nov-2009 11:51:36 AM

Nehru Cup: Bhaichung at his Hotel-Lobby (Mango Peel)

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Nehru Cup: Bhaichung at his Hotel-Lobby (Mango Peel)

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With less than a month to go from the FIFA World Player of the Year Awards, Indian skipper Bhaichung Bhutia reveals his choice for arguably what is the highest individual prize in the sport of football.

The award is conferred based on the votes of international coaches and captains and the Sikkimese Sniper states that Barcelona’s Lionel Messi is the hot favourite to win the award.

“I voted for Messi as he had an exceptional season with Barcelona winning all the major honours. To win such awards, you have to back it up with silverware,” said Bhaichung.

Incidentally, the East Bengal striker had mentioned that the Argentine didn’t deserve to finish second last year and had favoured Liverpool’s Fernando Torres. He went on to state that Messi could be the favourite for this year’s awards.

"Messi did well but neither Barcelona no Argentina have any major trophies to show. He has been playing well this season and if he continues then maybe he could emerge as a winner,” said Bhaichung back in January this year to Goal.com.

Bhaichung’s second vote has gone to Messi’s team-mate Andres Iniesta, who the former Mohun Bagan star feels has played a key role in Barcelona’s treble.

“I think the choice will be between Messi and Iniesta to be honest,” said the 32 year old.

Real Madrid’s Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo, whom Bhaichung vouched for last year, got the Tinkitam Express’ third vote.

Rahul Bali.

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