By JOHN BOSCHINI
For the second-consecutive year, Lionel Messi has been voted the best player in the world.
Messi, 23, beat out Barcelona teammates Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta to take home FIFA's inagural Ballon d'Or award. FIFA merged its World Player of the Year award with France's Ballon d'Or award last year with Messi winning both awards in 2009.
The Argentine striker scored 34 goals in 35 La Liga matches last season and has scored 18 goals from 15 league matches so far this season. He is the third player to win in consecutive seasons, joining Brazilians Ronaldhino and Ronaldo.
Here are some more stories to keep your Monday going.
Former U.S. National Team midfielder Cobi Jones has left his position as an assistant coach with the L.A. Galaxy to become the associate director of soccer of the New York Cosmos. Jones is leaving the club after 15 seasons as both a player and coach to join current Cosmos director Terry Byrne. With the help of Pele, who played for the Cosmos during their NASL years, the club has made a concentrated push towards becoming the 20th MLS franchise.
Henry training with Arsenal ahead of MLS preseason
New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry has returned to London for a training stint with former-club Arsenal. Henry, 33, played for Arsenal from 1999-2007, scoring an astounding 226 goals during that time span. This is a short-term arrangement designed to help Henry keep his fitness ahead of the MLS season, the club said in a statement.
Babel in trouble over Twitter picture
Ryan Babel has been charged with improper conduct by the English FA after the Liverpool midfielder tweeted a digitally doctored picture of referee Howard Webb wearing a Manchester United shirt following Liverpool's 1-0 defeat in the third round of the FA Cup. "And they call him one of the best referees. This is a joke," Babel Tweeted before posting the picture. Babel will be given a chance to respond to the charges before a punishment is assigned. Babel was also part of the Webb-officiated 2010 World Cup Final but did not play for the Netherlands.
Saudi Arabia sacks coach following loss
Saudia Arabia has fired national team coach Jose Peserio following yesterday's 2-1 loss to Syria in the Asian Cup. Peserio was hired in 2009 but was under increasing pressure after failing to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Naser al-Johar, who Peserio replaced as coach, has been appointed caretaker manager.
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What do you think of today's stories? Think Messi deserved the award for a second time? Does the addition of Cobi Jones help the Cosmos' MLS chanches? Will training with Arsenal help Henry?
Share your thoughts below
