Messi is the Best Athlete 2011 version of L'Equipe

Messi is the Best Athlete 2011 version of  L'Equipe

 
Barcelona - Lionel Messi continues to receive recognition for his prowess on the gridiron. Saturday (24/12), Barcelona star was crowned as the Champion des Champions aka The Champion of Champions 2011 by sports daily, France, L'Equipe.

"He has won everything with Barcelona, through goals and actions are stunning," wrote newspaper on their front page.

Messi, who won five trophies with Barca throughout 2011 (La Liga, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, European Super Cup and Club World Cup), managed to beat world number one tennis player Novak Djokovic and world champion Formula One, Sebastian Vettel.

The Argentine gets 807 points, 208 points adrift with Djokovic, who occupied the second place and 552 points ahead of Vettel.

Champion des Champions title L'Equipe has been awarded since 1946. Initially, this title is only awarded to France's best athletes, but since 1980 the title applies to all athletes from around the world.

Messi is a football player who earned his fifth since 1980 when Paulo Rossi (Italy, 1982), Diego Maradona (Argentina, 1986), Romario (Brazil, 1994), Zinedine Zidane (France, 1998). The four players have in common: they were elected after bringing their country win the World Cup.

Standings 'Champion des Champions 2011':
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina / football) 807 points
2. Novak Djokovic (Serbia / tennis) 699
3. Sebastian Vettel (Jerman/F1) 255
4. Nikola Karabatic (French / handball) 221
5. Kelly Slater (USA / surfing) 214
6. Teddy Riner (France / judo) 211
7. Sebastien Loeb (France / rally) 204
8. Dirk Nowitzki (Germany / basketball) 133
9. Richie McCaw (New Zealand / rugby) 128
10. Cadel Evans (Australia / racing bike) 110