Zurich, Jan 10 (IANS): Barcelona striker Lionel Messi, named the world player of the year, has won the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or for the third successive year.

The 24-year-old became only the fourth player in the history of football to win the award for the third time along with Dutch legends Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten and Frenchman Michel Platini.

Messi beat Barcelona team-mate Xavi Hernandez and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo to claim the award at the Ballon d'Or gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich Monday.

The Argentine star dedicated the award to his coach and team-mates, reserving special mention for Xavi.

"It is a huge pleasure and honour to win my third award," Messi was quoted as saying by ESPN Soccernet. "I wanted to share it with those who voted for me, my coach and my team-mates at Barca and in the Argentina national team.

"Moreover, I want to share this award specially with my friend Xavi. This is the fourth time that we are are together at this ceremony and it is a pleasure for me to be with him on the pitch. This Ballon d'Or is also yours. Without your help I would not be here."