A combination of images from 2010 to 2013 (L-R) shows Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi posing with his 4 consecutive Ballon d'Or trophies. Lionel Messi added yet another record to his stellar list of achievements over the past 12 months on January 7, 2013 when he won an unprecedented fourth, consecutive, Ballon d'Or at a FIFA gala in Zurich. The accolade seals Messi's status as the greatest player of his generation after he saw off Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta for the prize. AFP PHOTO