Lionel Messi is Europe's footballer of the year

Paris, Dec 1 : Barcelona striker Lionel Messi was named European Footballer of the Year early Tuesday by France Football, the Paris magazine announced on its website.

The 22-year-old Argentine won by the widest margin in the 54-year history of the prestigious Ballon d'Or, or Golden Ball.

The 96 voters -- sports journalists from around the world -- awarded Messi 473 of a possible 480 points toward the trophy, putting him 240 points ahead of runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo, who was last year's winner.

Messi told France Football that it was a "great honour" to be named.

The prize will be handed over on Sunday in Paris.

Messi is the first Argentine to win the Golden Ball.

Ronaldo was second at 233 points, followed by Xavi at 170 points and Andres Iniesta with 149 points.

--IANS