FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi has won the FIFA Ballon d'Or for the third time running as football's leading lights gathered in Zurich. Argentina forward Messi, 24, made it three in a row equalling Michel Platini’s record after beating team-mate Xavi and Real Madrid CF's Cristiano Ronaldo by a landslide to the prize. Messi took almost 48 per cent of the vote, with Ronaldo second with less than 22 per cent; Xavi, whose orchestration of Barca and Spain's midfield is widely credited for their success, was a distant third with just over 9 per cent. "It's a huge honour," Messi said after accepting the trophy from retired Brazil legend Ronaldo. "This one is very special because I want to share this with my friend and team-mate Xavi. He deserves it."