Argentine footballer, Leo Messi (FC Barcelona) who last night was awarded the prize for best footballer last season (2008-2009) at a gala dinner hosted by the Liga de Fútbol Profesional, said that he was delighted to be in the running for FIFA World Player of the Year, for which he was runner-up to Cristiano Ronaldo last year.

Messi, who was also awarded the prize for best forward last season, said that he hoped his team would carry on winning in the style they beat Zaragoza (6-1) last weekend and that he was now looking forward to the 'classic' clash between Barça and Real Madrid on November 29th and that he hoped both clubs would be able to field their best teams for the occasion.

Real Madrid goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, was awarded the prize for best goalkeeper of the season and Juan Carlos Valerón of Deportivo La Coruña won the prize for fair play.

The rest of the prizes went Barelona's way, with Pep Guardiola taking the award for best manager, Dani Álves for best defender, Xavi Hernández for best central midfielder, Andrés Iniesta for best midfielder and Sergio Busquets for most improved player.