Eden Hazard, dubbed ‘the new Cristiano Ronaldo’ by the press, is reported to have his pick of suitors, but according to reports in Marca, he wants to join Barcelona.

The 18-year-old winger has attracted interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs with Arsenal and Manchester United said to be closest to making a concrete offer for the youngster who currently plays his football with Lille in France's Ligue 1.

The flying winger, already capped ten times by Belgium, is fully aware of the interest being shown in him and has spoken about where he thinks his future may lie.

"I am pleased that teams like Arsenal and Real Madrid want to sign me,” before adding, “I know that Barcelona and Inter like me, but I am thrilled to play with Real Madrid or Arsenal," Hazard said a few weeks ago.

While Hazard has admitted he would like to spend another season in France before making the leap to a bigger club, Marca claim he has chosen Barca as his most desired destination.

After being sidelined for over a year and a half, Barcelona's Gabi Milito has finally returned to action for his club in a friendly match held in Kuwait between Barca and Kazma Sporting.

The Argentine defender's return comes after a prolonged period of recovery from an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that required surgery. His return to the side is a huge weight off the player's shoulders, whilst Pep Guardiola enjoys a reinforcement to this back line without having to dip into the winter transfer market.

"It is great to return and play my first match with an audience. It will serve me well to play and train little by little so I am able to find my best form as soon as possible", said the player in his post-friendly match comments.

Milito moved to Barcelona under Frank Rijkaard's tenure from Real Zaragoza and was a fixture for the Argentina national squad before his debilitating injury. His brother Diego Milito is a striker who also played for Zaragoza and now features for Italian champions Inter.

The friendly between Barca and Kazma Sporting was drawn 1-1, with the Catalans featuring few of their record-breaking first team squad.

Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for Real Madrid last summer and has immediately developed into an important first team member at Los Blancos. However, the tricky attacker expects Barcelona star Lionel Messi to scoop up the FIFA Player of the Year award.

"It will be a feeling of great happiness if I win the trophy again. Everybody knows how important and big this award is. I felt privileged when I won it last year and I’m sure this year's winner will be delighted," said Ronaldo on a press conference.

The attacker also spoke about the way things are going at Manchester United this season and made it clear that they're doing good without him.

"I think Manchester United do very well without me. They lost their last two games, but still sit second in the league. I don’t want to say anything about what the people say about me not being there. I miss Manchester a bit and I have lots of friend there, but I’m at Madrid now and enjoy being there.

Ronaldo was full of praise for Club World Champions Barcelona and emphasized that the Catalan side have been in superb form last year. However, the Portuguese is keen to repeat Barca's heroics with Real Madrid.

"I believe success speaks for itself. Barcelona have won everything, they’re the best club at the moment. They have a certain style of play and most of their players have played together for many years. They’re an outstanding team. Nevertheless, everything is possible in football and we’ll do our utmost to win the league and Champions League this term with Real Madrid."

"Lionel Messi has played very well and is an important player for Barcelona. He will probably win the award, but Xavi and Iniesta are also important for Barca and deserve to win the Player of the Year trophy as well. It’s the team that wins prizes, not individual players. Barcelona have won six prizes and are a great team.

"Everybody gets what he deserves and I'm not jealous at Lionel. I’d like to commend him for what he’s done and I’d like to commend the other nominated players as well."

The former Sporting CP starlet finally discussed the upcoming 2010 World Cup and stated that England will be a force to be reckoned with in South Africa.

"England have a fantastic team with some fantastic players. They were great during the qualification campaign and have a superb coach. They have to potential to go far in South Africa. Spain and Brazil also have a big chance to become World Champions.

"Portugal are not among the favourites, but we can always surprise. Nobody expected Greece to come out on top in 2004 and they managed to shock the entire football world. I'm looking forward to the tournament and want to show what we can in South Africa."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's first club FBK Balkan have got an early Christmas present of 1.5m Kronor (€144,000) courtesy of FC Barcelona.

The small Swedish club from Rosengard in Malmo nurtured the future superstar for five years during his youth and under the FIFA solidarity system, the minnows were able to claim a cut of Ibra's colossal €66 million transfer from Inter to Barca in the summer.

However, FBK Balkan were forced to sweat it out before the cheque came through and had to produce proof that the striker played for the club.

Director Sasa Vejzovic told Goal.com that Barcelona needed to be convinced before writing the cheque.

"We sent old newspaper clippings and video clips where Zlatan talks about his time playing with FBK Balkan as our lawyer told us Barcelona wanted to see evidence.

"Our club records from the Swedish football association showed clearly that he played for our club. Zlatan has gone on the record many times saying he started with us.

"Last year Zlatan got Nike to donate our club a brand new kit for our A team. I know he's grateful that the club did a lot for him when he was young."

A key piece of the dossier presented to the Barcelona hierarchy was a team photo of the young Zlatan with his Balkan team-mates where bizarrely enough he was playing in goal.

The battle for a share of the 5% cut of Ibrahimovic's monster transfer fee was waged in the Swedish media as neighbouring club FC Rosengard claimed they were responsible for the Barcelona striker's development.

"It's a relief that we've been proved right. We always knew we were," added Vejzovic.

The Barcelona striker grew up in the largely immigrant neighbourhood of Rosengard in Malmo. He began his career with FBK Balkan and turned out occasionally for Malmo BI (now FC Rosengard) before joining Malmo FF in 1996.

Allsvenskan side Malmo FF will get a larger slice of the transfer fee claiming 60% of the 5% cut which works out at almost €2m for the Swedish glamour club.

Under the FIFA solidarity system any club who nurtures a player between the age of 12-23 is entitled to a share of future transfer deals. The 5% figure is divided proportionally depending on how long the player was associated with the club.

The money will be staggered in five separate payments over two years. FBK Balkan, who play in the fifth tier of the Swedish league, intend to use the cash for further grassroots development.

Sasa Vejzovic added, "We have big plans and will use the money to improve our youth academy. Our target is to have the best youth system in the south of Sweden and to stabilise ourselves in the next division.

"This money from Barcelona is our operating budget for the next five years."

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has declared that his side will do everything they can to repeat the unprecedented success of 2009 but insisted winning six titles in one year will not be an easy feat.

The Blaugrana became the first team to complete a perfect year by adding the FIFA Club World Cup to the UEFA Super Cup and Spanish Super Cup they won in August. That three trophy haul added to the treble triumph of last season in which they won the UEFA Champions League, the Primera Liga and the Copa del Rey.

"We will try to repeat what we did last year. With hard work, we must try to maximise the titles again. We look again for the Champions League, but winning six titles cannot be easily repeated. Winning the World Club was spectacular, especially as it was the first time," he said, according to Marca, before adding that "talent and effort" is the formula for success in football.

"Talent is always good for the game. In football, as in other sports, you have to be physically capable but also need talent and effort."

Lionel Messi has capped a sensational 12 months in Barcelona colours by being crowned FIFA World Player Of The Year.

Messi, who described his presence at the FIFA Gala as "the culmination of a year that cannot be improved upon", has managed to indeed go one better, sealing the only title still evading him.

The diminutive Argentine beat off competition from the a host of the world’s best including team-mates Andreas Iniesta and Xavi, as well as Real Madrid stars Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Portuguese having already admitted that "he [Messi] will probably win the award".

The crown capped a quite incredible year for the 22-year-old Argentinian forward who, as a pivotal member of Pep Guardiola’s all conquering Barca squad, beat Estudiantes in FIFA’s Club World Cup final in Abu Dhabi on Saturday to lift their sixth title in the last 12 months.

Messi will add FIFA’s prestigious title to pretty much every individual award in European football; having already been crowned UEFA Club Forward of the Year, UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and UEFA Champions League Top Scorer amongst a host of other individual titles.

Messi’s incredible achievements will go down as one of the most successful seasons ever endured by a single player in club football history.

The final five, with their voting points:

Player	Club	Country	Points
Lionel Messi			1,073
Cristiano Ronaldo	/		352
Xavi			196
Kaka	/		190
Andres Iniesta			134

Following Barcelona’s historic Club World Cup victory over Estudiantes, club legend Johann Cruyff has become the latest high profile name to herald Pep Guardiola’s achievements as coach.

The flying Dutchman admitted that not only had Guardiola written a new chapter in club history as coach, but had done so in immaculate style.

"It's not just the result," he said, “but also the way to win, always producing quality on the field."

Cruyff, who remains the most successful coach in the Catalan club’s rich history, securing no less than eleven titles during his time in the hot-seat, was quoted in Marca as being "proud" of Guardiola for achieving, "a title that the club did not have, in more than one hundred years of history".

The current Catalonia tactician also revealed how impressed he has been with Pep’s decision making, saying the coach "knows to make decisions as he demonstrated on Saturday in the Club World Cup final".

The Club World Cup was Guardiola’s sixth title since taking charge less than two years ago.

As one of the five finalists for the FIFA World Player award, Barcelona's Andres Iniesta was soft spoken at the Gala preceding the presentation of the award.

"I feel immense joy. Being on the same stage and knowing I am at the same level as these players [Lionel Messi, Xavi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kaka] is a huge reward and I congratulate the rest of the players for being here".

With his respect to his favourite memory from a record breaking season, Iniesta spoke of the Barca's European title against Manchester United.

"We have been privileged to have lived so many beautiful moments, but the Champions League final is the best for me," he reminisced.

Seated next to Xavi, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kaka, the three Barcelona players were markedly shorter than their Madrid counterparts and when asked of the height difference, Iniesta was dismissive, saying, "The important thing is to strike the right balance in the team and Barca have the right blend."

The midfield wizard also spoke of Barca's plans for 2010. "We have some time to wind down, but after the holidays we will see we have achieved nothing with respect to the future and we will fight to win all titles".

Although Messi is widely anticipated to win the award, Iniesta wished to dedicate the accolade to "the fans of the team who have always been there to support. Our team-mates also deserve to be recognised".

Finally, when asked of next summer's World Cup in South Africa, Iniesta was asked to assess Spain's chances.

"The World Cup is always important and I hope the Spanish team can play well. After winning all our matches in the qualifying round, we will try to get as far as possible," he concluded.

Having taken home six consecutive titles, it is difficult to imagine how Barcelona could do any better and Catalunya coach Johan Cruyff agrees it will be difficult.

But as reported by Sport, the former Barca player has praised his former team and billed them to continue their winning ways.

"When they are playing well, they have shown that they can win without problems. And when they are not playing as well, they still demonstrate an advantage, a determination, an aura...something that makes them competitive until the very last minutes," said.

"It is exceptional what they have achieved and for now they can enjoy the moment. One thinks back to the epic victories of last season, except for La Liga and the Spanish Supercup, which they won head and shoulders over the competition: in the Copa del Rey, the penalty that [Jose Manuel] Pinto saved against Mallorca; in the Champions League, the goal [Andres] Iniesta scored in London; in the European Supercup, Pedro's goal in extra time; and in the Club World Cup, the goal in the final minutes along with the winner in extra time."

The Dutchman finished by emphasising that it would be very hard to repeat their past feats but didn't completely rule out another trophy-laden season.

"It will be difficult to do this again, but we will see in May."

Upon arriving in Kuwait for Barcelona's friendly match against Kazma Sporting Club, Pep Guardiola said that the Blaugrana now have eight or nine days to enjoy their latest title in a string of six consecutive trophies.

"During the year, we have very little time to enjoy good things or lament the bad because every three days we have a match."

The coach did, however, warn of more work ahead saying that "after the [December] 29th, we will be back to it".

Finally, Pep praised the team for their winning ways over the past year stating, "The titles that we have won are a fruit of the talent, work, and effort of all the players".

Widely regarded to win the FIFA World Player Award, Lionel Messi was largely modest in FIFA's Gala preceding the presentation of the award.

When asked of his reaction to receiving the award, Messi expressed his happiness. "It is a great joy to be here for the 3rd consecutive year. It is the culmination of a year that cannot be improved upon".

When asked about his favourite memory of a record year for Barcelona, the Argentine cited the Champions League final victory as his highest achievement. He also went on to praise FIFA for their organization of the Club World Cup and cited the Abu Dhabi fans as "very enthusiastic".

As for what is in store for the rest of 2010, the Ballon d'Or winner highlighted the importance of working to continue to achieve good results saying that Barca would continue to fight for all titles.

Seated next to Xavi, Iniesta, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kaka, the three Barcelona players were markedly shorter than their Madrid counterparts and when asked of the height difference, Messi downplayed its importance, saying "Barca have some tall players, but also players who can run a match. Football is such that height does not matter as much as talent."

The Argentine had high praise for the rest of the candidates and thanked Crisitano Ronaldo for his warm compliments, saying that the arrivals of CR9 and Kaka to La Liga will reinforce the Spanish league. However, he did not go so far as to say that La Liga stood atop the world as the best league citing England's teams that are always near the top of the Champions League. Of Robinho's possible transfer to Barcelona in January, Messi chose not to comment, but said that if the Brazilian did come to Barca, he would be welcome.

Finally, when asked why he could not manage to replicate his club form for the Argentina national team, Messi was evasive. "I just want to say that I will try to do the same thing for the Albiceleste as for Barca. The qualifying matches were difficult, but World Cup can be very different. I have achieved everything I can for my club, now I would like to do the same for the national team".

Spanish international Xavi was one of the absolute key man in Barcelona's extremely successful year and the playmaker played a big part in his team's six prizes. Xavi is confident that Barcelona will stay modest though and that hard work will be the key to more success.

"It will be an unbelievable joy for all five players here if they win. I am overjoyed to be among the five nominees and I hope I win," was Xavi quoted as saying on a press conference.

"Six titles in one season can’t be repeated. Winning the Champions League was Barcelona's biggest success. Nevertheless, our first win in the Club World Cup was also big and I am very happy that we’ve won this prize now.

"I think it’s a matter of not losing our modesty and continue to work hard. We had to work hard to win all this prizes in the past, but we will try to repeat our success. We are competitive and have a competitive group. We have to keep working hard and stay modest if we are to equal our success," continued the midfielder.

The Barcelona youth academy product also took the time to discuss why the Spanish titleholders are so successful, despite their lack of a physical presence on the pitch.

"Luckily football is more about talent than about energy and power. Talent will always surpass force in football and this is for the good of the game. Of course football’s physical, but we have the advantage of talent prevailing force at Barcelona.

"I can think of a lot of people to dedicate the Player of the Year award to if I win the award. I could dedicate it to all our fans and to the Barcelona youth academy. Of course to my team mates and to my family. They've always stood unconditionally at our side."

While elections for Barcelona's club president are not scheduled to be held until the end of the campaign, current club president, Joan Laporta, has not discounted holding elections before the end of the season.

Speaking on RAC-1, the Barca chief highlighted the "importance of knowing the club's leader before the end of the season" and indicated that the determination would be made with respect to the coming elections in the near future.

Laporta spoke of his own tenure as president and praised his administration's philosophy. "We have a model that works and it would not be wise to break the winning dynamic. Those who have defended this model are members of the board and they have been there in both the good and bad times to make the necessary decisions for this club to be where it is. It would be a risk to change the model of success."

As dictated by club statutes, Laporta will leave Barcelona on June 30 and spoke of his summer exit. "I have presided over the best period in Barca's history," said the supremo. However, he declared that he does not consider himself to have been Barca's best leader – an honour he was quick to attribute to Joan Gamper.

Laporta closed in commenting on the club's financial state: "The club, both economically and financially, is very solid and we can take on all challenges. I will leave the club much better than when I arrived."

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that Robinho will not be joining the newly crowned world champions after Manchester City rejected the Blaugrana's offer for the Brazilian forward.

Robinho has been linked with a move to Camp Nou since the summer and various reports in the Spanish press in the intervening period suggested that a deal would be done during the winter transfer window, with officials from both clubs expected to meet during Barca's stay in the United Arab Emirates for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Laporta has now revealed that a deal is no longer on the cards after City turned down a bid from Barca and it is unlikely that any addition will be made to the squad during the winter window.

"We are pleased with our squad and if we have to do some fine-tuning we will. Our offer for Robinho was not accepted and this team we have will not be added to, unless something unforeseen arises at the last minute," he is quoted as saying by Sport.

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has lashed out at the criticism he has received in Argentina for his successes with the Blaugrana.

The 22-year-old lead Barca to their sixth title of 2009 with a hard fought extra-time victory over Argentine side Estudiantes in the FIFA Club World Cup. He is also set to add the FIFA Player of the Year accolade to the 2009 Ballon d'Or he collected this year.

These incredible exploits for Barca have drawn scathing criticism from certain quarters in Argentina, with the media leading the line suggesting that Messi's heart isn't in it when he represents the Albicelestes. The young forward has hit back, in an interview with El Pais in Spain, stressing his annoyance at the treatment he receives.

"I get angry when they say I have no feeling for the Albicelestes. Nothing pisses me off more than to say that I am not Argentine. Who knows of my feelings?" he asked of the critics.

"Life took me to Barcelona. As a kid I dreamed only of playing in Argentina, then for the Albicelestes, nothing gives me more enjoyment. I like Argentina and living in Catalunya, but I am very Argentine. It is difficult to talk about feelings but how can they come and tell me what I feel? I do not mind being called Catalan, but I'm angered that anyone thinks that I am not Argentine."

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has said that he is optimistic coach Pep Guardiola will renew his contract with the Blaugrana after the most successful year in the club's history.

According to Sport, Guardiola has asked the club for time to reflect on what has happened before deciding on his future. He took over as Barcelona coach in 2008, signing a two-year deal before leading the Catalan outfit to an unprecedented six trophies in the intervening period.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the current season, the club are obviously keen to tie Guardiola down to a long-term deal and Laporta has been trying to convince the former club captain to commit to a deal since the summer. However Guardiola is believed to be wary of committing to a contract extension before next year's presidential elections as he is waiting to see how the shift in power will affect his role.

"On the plane, Pep told me that he needs time on the decision to renew. He wants to digest what has happened and I'm sure the break will allow him to do so," Laporta said.

"We know he is very thoughtful and he knows better than anyone what is good for the club. He wants to [sign], is willing to do, but there are many factors that require reflection, however I am personally optimistic about him continuing.

"We understand the importance of having a deal and a project in place from a certain date so ideally Pep will decide before the end of the season."

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is set to complete the perfect year today with Marca reporting that the Argentinian will be named as 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year in Zurich tonight.

The FIFA prize is voted on by the coaches and captains of international football teams and Messi has finished runner-up for the previous two seasons with Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka claiming the crown in 2008 and 2007 respectively but the 22-year-old from Rosario now seems certain to add the FIFA accolade to the Ballon d'Or prize he claimed earlier this year.

This award comes just two days after Messi scored the extra-time winner in the FIFA Club World Cup comeback win over Estudiantes de la Plata, bringing the Blaugrana's total of trophies for 2009 to six, an unrivalled figure in world football. Messi also claimed the man of the match award for the World Cup Final win.

If, as expected, he does collect the FIFA gong Messi will be the first Argentinian to collect the prize since the inaugural award in 1991.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has urged his team-mates to maintain their high level of performance following their World Club Championship victory over Estudiantes.

Lionel Messi’s late goal in extra-time handed coach Pep Guardiola his sixth title as Blaugrana coach, and maintained the Catalan side’s bid to win a record-breaking number of trophies in a single season.

Former Manchester United defender Pique reflected to journalists after the match that his side must continue to move forward.

He said, “It’s clear that we’re the team who have had the best year in history, but if we are great, we have to continue winning.”

Colleague Zlatan Ibrahimovic echoed Pique’s comments, adding that he has hugely enjoyed his brief time with the European champions.

He stated, “This is fantastic. It’s enjoyable to make history, although I’ve only been at Barcelona for a little time.

“Barcelona have won everything, I hope to continue like that and we continue playing how we have been playing.

“One of the reasons I came to Barcelona was to win titles.”

5. Auckland City

Let’s start off the Top 5 not with one individual player, but one collection of heroes. Little Auckland City came into the tournament expected to be the whipping boys, but they left with pride and honour as they bagged fifth-place in the 7-team championship. Adam Dickinson, Chad Coombes, Jason Hayne and Riki Van Steeden may have been the protagonists for the club and in a way for their country, but there’s no question that the entire team, from the first XI to the squad players, deserve to be recognised collectively.

4. Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes)

The veteran playmaker has continued his stunning return to form. Estudiantes’ answer to Xavi, the 34-year-old masterminded his team’s march to the final with a virtuoso display against Pohang Steelers in the semis, before leading his team on the frontline against Barca in the showpiece finale with an admirable all-round performance as he helped his side weather the storm in defence, marshalled the midfield, and led the attack. Wrapped up the tournament by collecting the Silver Ball.

3. Pedro (Barcelona)

As Barca entered the record books, young Pedro carved his name into Camp Nou history by becoming the first ever player to score in six different competitions in a single season. And he didn’t just score... he scored vital goals for the Blaugrana in the Club World Cup, none more so than the 89th minute equaliser against Estudiantes in the final. It might well be the most important goal he will ever score in his footballing career. In a tournament where the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were expected to be the headline acts, it was the 22-year-old Pedrito who stole all the thunder.

2. Denilson (Pohang Steelers)

The Brazilian – not the one who used to be the world’s most expensive player – picked up the Golden Shoe as the tournament's top scorer with four goals as he single-handedly guided the South Koreans to a third-place finish. He was in fact the only player to score for the Asian Champions League winners from open play throughout the championship and he made sure that his trip to Abu Dhabi wasn’t flawed by converting his shoot-out spotkick against Atlante in the play-off.

1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

There were fears that the Ballon d’Or winner might not even participate in the competition after picking up an injury prior to the team’s arrival in Abu Dhabi. The worst fears were compounded when he had to start the semi-final clash against Atlante on the bench. But after 53 minutes, ‘El Mesias’ was unleashed. Within two minutes of his introduction, he put his side into the lead against the Mexican. He again stamped his influence in the final against Estudiantes, showing his predatory skills – just as he did in the Champions League final – to score the winning goal in extra time. Officially named by FIFA as the player of the tournament.

Barcelona Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain has stated that the club may consider adding to their squad in the January transfer window in order to bolster their attempts to retain both the Primera Division and the Champions League.

Coach Pep Guardiola has believed from the beginning of the campaign that his squad remains too small, something which Begiristain is also aware of.

The Blaugrana have been fortunate with injuries in the past year and their squad will be tested to the limit should they suffer the loss of a number of key individuals.

Spanish publication Sport reports that the former Barcelona player said, “We must be prepared, and there are different options on the table.

“But there are issues that we must first assess with Pep Guardiola and then make a decision. We must be ready to act quickly if necessary.”

Barcelona have been linked with a number of potential signings in January, particularly Juan Mata of Valencia, who was linked with a switch to the Camp Nou in the summer of 2009.

As the music bellowed out around the Sports City Stadium during the closing ceremony, dancers in fancy costumes peeled away on either side of the pitch. The two huge pennants in the colours of Barcelona and Estudientes were slowly pushed away. On one side of the stadium pockets of Estudientes fans cheered and waved their flags, on the other side a smaller number of Barca fans waved theirs. In between the remaining crowd numbering 43,000 and overwhelmingly supporting the Catalans, sat impatiently waiting for the kick off.

In the midst of it all strolled out the two teams. Both in their own way wanting to claim a piece of history. For Estudientes it was a matter of their first title in this competition in over forty years. The chance for a father and son to have won the trophy. They were led out by captain Juan Sebastian Veron, whose father helped Estudientes win the then named Intercontinental Cup in 1968 when they beat Manchester United. And then there was Barcelona, recognised as the best team in the world, but wanting the title to confirm it. Aiming for their sixth trophy in one year a feat never achieved by any club side anywhere in the world. As Sepp Blatter and company passed down the line with the ritual pre match handshakes, one wondered what exchange of words, if any, took place between himself and Thierry Henry. A FIFA Disciplinary Committee still has to take a decision about his handball incident which helped France reach the World Cup finals.

Over 120 minutes later Veron was laid out on the green baize, a spent force. He played with the magnificence of a prince, on the day of his impending coronation, and displayed the courage of a lion as he prompted and pushed, and led his Argentine team mates into battle. A winner in defeat, its easy to see how even at the age of 34 he is the linchpin of Argentina's ambitions in the World Cup in South Africa. But all around him were the celebrations of the team that has rewritten every history book on football you could ever care to think of. Six titles in just one year. It is so immense an achievement its worth listing them all, just so one can see written down exactly what the Blaugrana have won. The La Liga title, European Champions League, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, European Super Cup, Club World Champions all won in 2009.

The project that Cruyff started (and still influences) all those years ago, is today a raging fire. The ideology of the club for developing its own superstars was highlighted in every respect in this game. It was the latest sensation to come out of the club's academy, Pedro, who scored the equaliser on 89 minutes. He has scored in all six title winning competitions. It was Gerard Pique, who left the academy, studied under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and then came back, who flicked the header onto him. It was the world's best player, who awaits his confirmation of that title in FIFA Headquarters in Zurich on Monday, Leo Messi, who came to Barcelona as 13 year old who scored the winner. And what a way to do it by chesting the ball into the net. And then there was another glimpse of the next generation. Jeffren who came on to replace Henry and who was devastating on the flank. Quicksilver down the line, this still raw unfinished product is brooding with excellence. He is a talent that when polished and ready for service,only goodness knows what he is capable of. Its easy to see why Barcelona only want a loan agreement for Robinho. The potential of what they have in reserve is far deadlier.

And then there is the leader, the organiser the man with the vision. He was the captain of Cruyff's Dream Team, he was the Dutchman's recommendation to take over from Rijkaard, he is also probably his best friend. Pep Guardiola, a product of the system is everything that is Barcelona. He has only been in in management at this level for over a year, but has done the whole shebang.. He has not only had the cake, but eaten the whole thing in one sitting. If Jose Mourihno is the “Special one” then Pep Guardiola is his God.

At the post match news conference, a tired, emotional Guardiola, answered every question put to him switching with ease from Spanish, to Catalan to English. Over the last week he has spoken about his affection for the Gulf region based on his time in Qatar. He has embraced all that has been put his way and he has accepted all the adulation with simple humility and finally with the open emotion as displayed on the pitch. The cameras picked out the moment, and showed it on the giant screens. The whole stadium erupted in applause and cheers as the crowd shouted his name. Asked what images were going through his mind in that moment, he said ultimately there were too many. In a previous news conference someone asked him what it felt like being being the favourites to win against Atlante. Guardiola replied, “Name me a match in which Barcelona isn't the favourite? Its something we just live with, but we never see ourselves as the favourite.” And in the end when this reporter asked him jokingly how long had the team been practicing Messi's chested goal routine. Guardiola got the joke and ran away with it.....

“Oh we've been training that routine every single day,” he told me. “In fact at half time I took Leo aside and told him I wanted a goal from him from that came from his heart. He scored that goal with his heart.”

It is, of course, a classic soundbite, a classic remark. For all that you have achieved, Mr Guardiola, we salute you.

As such, it's not a huge surprise that the achievement has gone quite unheralded today. The global media has largely greeted it with mild interest, leaving Barcelona short of the credit they deserve. Then again, why would it be a shock? The countdown to trophy number six began the day Barca hoisted aloft the Champions League cup way back in May. La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Supercopa, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup - one by one they fell like dominoes. The final cup, against a brave but ultimately substandard Estudiantes side, was a formality.

The plaudits came heavy and quickly, as a rain squall, when the more prestigious cups were won. In recent times, it has been more of a checklist - one down, two to go - and one greeted as a chore by the observer, rather than the achievement that it is.

That is what this piece is to remind us of. Barcelona have won all six competitions that they entered - an unprecedented achievement in the modern professional game, and one that may well go 100 years without repeat. It didn't come without the occasional stumbling block, but it did come without anything even resembling a stumble itself.

Commentators in recent weeks have described Barcelona as off-colour and inconsistent - when other teams go two months unbeaten winning their Champions League group, topping their domestic table, and progressing in all cups, they are heralded as heroes. Barcelona are victims of their own success in this regard, but it doesn't have to be this way. There may be a lot else going on in the football world right now, but tonight Barcelona have made history. Don't roll your eyes - the headlines may have read that way for months, but today it finally happened in earnest. Celebrate it while you can. It might be a long time before football sees a team like this again.

Lionel Messi has won yet another accolade, after picking up the Golden Ball for the Club World Cup.

In a ceremony after the match, Messi was handed the award, having finished the tournament with two goals, one of which was the winner in the final.

The Silver award went to Juan Sebastian Veron, who, at 34, was the driving force behind Estudiantes. Unfortunately for 'La Brujita,' however, he was unable to emulate the feats of his father, who won the tournament when it was called the Intercontinental Cup, also playing for Estudiantes.

Finally, the bronze award went to Xavi, who will add it to his Euro 2008 Player of the Tournament award.

Joan Laporta enjoyed yet another Barcelona triumph under his tenure, and he was quick to praise everyone involved.

Speaking to Marca after the game, he said, "I congratulate the team and all the technical staff."

"I dedicate the win to all the barcelonistas worldwide, and especially to my three children, who deserve it."

Laporta then deflected attention away from the impending elections, continuing, "When the time is right, any candidates will be announced."

"I, as current president, want to celebrate this title, and emphasize our winning record."

Laporta finished by saying that he hoped Pep Guardiola would renew his contract in light of this success.

Seydou Keita has been ruled out of action for two weeks, having picked up an injury during the Club World Cup Final.

According to Marca, Barca club doctors have diagnosed Keita with a two centimetre tear in the semitendon muscle of his right leg. He will, therefore, be out for at least 15 days.

The Malian international was substituted at half-time, with his substititute, Pedro, going on to score the vital equalizer.

It is currently expected that Keita will be fit just in time for the African Nations Cup.

Lionel Messi was adjudged to have been the best player of the Club World Championship, and after the dramatic final, he spoke of what Barca have achieved in the last year.

The Blaugrana won all six of the competitions they participated in in 2009, and Lionel Messi believes it will be hard for any team to ever match that feat. Speaking to Marca after the game, he said, "We have not yet realized what we have done."

"It will be difficult for another team to repeat it."

Messi then spoke of the final itself, continuing, "It was very complicated, because Estudiantes has a lot of great players."

"They are very organized and play very fast."

Messi finished the tournament with two goals, having also scored in the semi-final win over Atlante.

Estudiantes fought valiantly but were eventually denied by Barcelona, but Alejandro Sabella could not ask for more from his team.

Despite taking a first half lead, the South American champions could not hold on, eventually losing to an extra time goal. Speaking after the match, Sabella said, "The players gave everything."

"They were a team of 11 lions. We stopped Barcelona circulating the ball.

"They did not have the attacking possession they are accustomed to."

Sabella than paid tribute to both teams, continuing, "Barca has eliminated all their rivals one by one this year."

"They are the best side in the world.

"But Estudiantes gave them a good fight."

Barcelona capped off a historic year by beating Estudiantes to win the Club World Cup, and Pep Guardiola was overcome with joy after the game.

The dream seemed set to end in disaster for the Blaugrana, but a late turnaround helped them secure to victory. Speaking after the match, Guardiola said, "This time next year, we will realize what we have achieved."

"Winning in this way is very special. We knew it would be a hard game.

"Firstly, I want to congratulate Estudiantes, because they were a very tough opponent."

Guardiola then commented on the historic nature of the achievement, continuing, "It is not easy to do what we have done."

"No-one else has ever achieved it. I want to thank the players.

"We must congratulate the institution, and all the people who make this club what it is.

"Now we need to enjoy the holidays and reflect on our achievement."

Guardiola then thanked certain players in particular, stating, "Today the players have been rewarded."

"I want to thank Eto'o and all the others who were here last year. They are also part of this success.

"Pedro is a player with enormous talent, with an eye to goal.

"He has helped us a lot."

Finally, Guardiola spoke of why Barcelona is "more than a club", saying, "We are the only club who are sponsored by Unicef."

"We have a different culture. In the end I believe we deserved the win.

"As for the future, there is a lot of work ahead."

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has suggested that the absence of Lionel Messi from the Blaugrana's starting lineup is a greater loss for Barca than Cristiano Ronaldo's suspension for Real Madrid.Going into this weekend's round of Primera Liga fixtures, neither talisman will feature for his side. Messi will sit out Barca's derby game against Espanyol at Camp Nou as he is suffering from an ankle injury picked up in the Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev. Ronaldo will miss Madrid's game against third placed Valencia as he is serving a suspension for his dismissal the Blancos' win over Almeria at the Bernabeu last weekend."For me, Barcelona loses more when [Lionel] Messi is out than [Real] Madrid do when they have no Cristiano [Ronaldo]," Xavi told a press conference.Xavi also declared that Messi is "beyond compare" with any other player in world football."As an individual he [Messi] is always thinking about the collective good. To have the best player in the world working for the team is fantastic. He is beyond compare, above every footballer and that's why he won [the Ballon d'Or] with the best points difference in history," he added.

FIFA have, on Monday evening, announced the final five contenders who will fight for the 2009 World Player of the Year award.
The shortlist of 23 male players which was drafted up by FIFA back in October have been reduced to five nominees following a poll conducted amongst the coaches and team captains from around the world and all five currently play their football in Spain’s La Liga. In alphabetical order, they are:
Andres Iniesta (Spain & Barcelona)
Kaka (Brazil & Real Madrid)
Lionel Messi (Argentina & Barcelona)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal & Real Madrid)
Xavi (Spain & Barcelona)
Female coaches and captains have also voted for their top five candidates for the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year:
Cristiane (Brazil)
Inka Grings (Germany)
Marta (Brazil)
Birgit Prinz (Germany)
Kelly Smith (England)
The award will be presented during a gala in Kongresshaus in Zurich on December 21 but this year’s ceremony will include two new categories: The FIFA FIFPro World XI, which will honour the best 11 players of the year as chosen by their over 50,000 of their fellow peers.
There will also be the FIFA Ferenc Puskas Award which will be given to the player who has scored the “most beautiful goal” over the past 12 months.

Estudiantes captain Juan Veron has declared his admiration for Pep Guardiola's Barcelona and his Argentine compatriot Leo Messi.Ahead of El Leon's forthcoming FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Pohang Steelers, the former Inter man told members of the media in Abu Dhabi that, "For me, Barcelona is the best team in the last two years".'La Brujita' went on to heap praise on Barca, describing them as "a team team that gives pleasure". The midfielder, who is enjoying a highly successful end to his career back home in Argentina, also singled out his international team-mate Lionel Messi for individual praise."Leo, in this last year has hit an impressive peak individually," he said, before admitting he "was happy" both for Messi and football as a whole "because we can see a great player in his great moment".Barcelona face Mexican club Atlante on Wednesday in their semi-final of a tournament that is historically considered much more important in South American than it is in Europe.

In a training session largely aimed at recovering from yesterday's semi-final win over Mexican side Atlante, 14 of Barcelona's squad trained on the private Abu Dhabi beach at the team's hotel this morning.The rest of the Blaugrana squad resumed normal training in the regional Army stadium under the supervision of coach Pep Guardiola. The training sessions for the 14 - yesterday's starting XI, plus Lionel Messi, Sydou Keita and Gerard Pique - were marked by smiling faces and good humour with Barcelona having cleared their first hurdle in the tournament by coming from behind to beat Atlante 3-1.The sessions ended with a friendly game of 'footvolley', but tomorrow Guardiola will likely push his team a bit further in the hope of entering the final against Argentinian side Estudiantes in top form.

The first Argentine to win the Ballon d’Or was quick to point out that he does not expect Saturday’s Club World Cup final between Barcelona and Estudiantes to be an easy game.Lionel Messi identified the quality of the Estudiantes’ team which booked their place in the final on Tuesday with a 2-1 win over Pohang Steelers of South Korea.Speaking after his own team’s semi-final win over Mexican outfit Atlante the pint-sized striker revealed that he expects a very tight game when he lines up against Estudiantes at the weekend.“It is not just Veron who has class, when we play Estudiantes we will face a great team with very good players.” Messi said.Messi’s relationship with Veron on the pitch will be key to Argentina’s World Cup hopes next year and the two are also close friends off the pitch. Messi revealed that he will be sending Veron a good luck message in the build up to Saturday’s final.The Barcelona man was also full of praise for Atlante, who provided a far sterner test for the Catalan outfit than may expected.“We knew today was going to be a challenge we had to get through. Atlante are here for a reason, they have a very good team.” Messi added.The Argentine striker complained of a little pain in his ankle after the game in which he returned from injury, coming off the bench to score. Messi said he was thankful that he now has three days to recover before facing Estudiantes in the final.

Reigning European club kings, Barcelona will take on German outfit, VfB Stuttgart in the last 16 of this season's Champions League following the draw in Nyon on Friday and Stuttgart midfielder Aliaksandr Hleb was full of praise for his previous employer."I thought it was a joke when I heard that we are to face Barcelona in the first round of the knockout phase," Hleb said on the official Stuttgart website."Every Barcelona player has the quality to be decisive. They are without a doubt the best team around in the Champions League. However, everything's possible in football."We can upset Barcelona if they are having a bad day and if we have a little bit of luck. However, there's little doubt about it that we will have to do our utmost."We will have to try to hit them on the counter attack if we want to achieve a good result. You can't beat Barcelona if you let them play their own game."