ZURICH, Switzerland, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Argentina's Lionel Messi collected his first FIFA World Player of the Year title Monday in Zurich, Switzerland, officials said.
Brazil's Marta, meanwhile, became the first to obtain four FIFA Women's World Player of the Year awards at the FIFA World Player Gala, during which former and current soccer stars and celebrities made appearances and Italian pop star Laura Pausini performed.
Messi in 2009 led his club FC Barcelona to a historic season in which it collected the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and Super Cup crowns and the Spanish Liga, Super Cup and Cup titles.
FIFA said Messi got 1,073 points in the balloting by the coaches and captains of 147 national teams, winning by a clear margin over Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (352 points), Spain's Xavi (196), Brazil's Kaka (190) and Spain's Andres Iniesta (134).
Marta this year was a favorite in the revamped U.S Women's Professional Soccer League, where she won the Golden Boot and was elected league MVP with the Los Angeles Sol.
