Lionel Messi won his fourth successive Ballon d'Or award this week and the Barcelona forward has cobbled together his golden balls for a couple of snapshots.
Messi, who broke Gerd Müller's calendar goals record by hitting 91 goals in 2012, finished ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Barça teammate Andrés Iniesta.
Despite not winning the Primera Liga and missing a crucial penalty in the Champions League semi-final, Messi's phenomenal performances were unsurprisingly recognised by the world football community.
Ronaldo was the last player, other than Messi, to collect the award for his role in Manchester United's 2008 Premier League and Champions League triumph.
However the Portuguese was not even listed in Messi's top three players of 2012.
Lionel Messi
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(01 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona gives his thumbs up during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(02 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona gives his thumbs up during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) vies for the ball with Betis' defender Nacho (L) during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on December 9, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (C) controls the ball during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on December 9, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) kicks the ball during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on December 9, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(06 of48)
,SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (C) duels for the ball with Benat Etxeberria (R) and Jose Alberto Canas of Real Betis Balompieduring the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(07 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi equals the scoring record of Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year set up in 1972. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(08 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) duels for the ball with Antonio Amaya of Real Betis Balompie during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(09 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) duels for the ball with Antonio Amaya of Real Betis Balompie during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with Barcelona's midfielder Andres Iniesta (R) after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(11 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) scores his team's second goal past Jose Alberto Canas of Real Betis Balompie during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(12 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) celebretes with Barcelona's midfielder Andres Iniesta (R) after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(14 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(15 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (L) duels for the ball with Javier Chica of Real Betis Balompie during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(16 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(17 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) celebrates with his teammates Xavi Hernandez (C) and Carles Puyol of FC Barcelona after scoring his team's second goal the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year.(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(18 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) celebrates with his teammates Xavi Hernandez (C) and Carles Puyol of FC Barcelona after scoring his team's second goal the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year.. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebretes with Barcelona's midfielder Xavi Hernandez (R) after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(20 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(22 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) celebrates with his teammate Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona after scoring his team's second goal the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(23 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(24 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi equals the scoring record of Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year set up in 1972. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) vies for the ball with Betis' defender Antonio Amaya (2nd L) and defender Jose Dorado (L) during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebratesduring the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with Barcelona's defender Jordi Alba (R) during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with Barcelona's defender Jordi Alba (R) during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(32 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) celebrates with his teammates Xavi Hernandez (C) and Carles Puyol of FC Barcelona after scoring his team's second goal the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(33 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammate Jordi Alba of FC Barcelona after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi equals the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(34 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Andres Iniesta of FC Barcelona assists his teammate Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona for scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) vies with Betis' defender Javier Chica (R) during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on December 9, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi gestures during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(37 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates with his team-mate Andres Iniesta of FC Barcelona after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) gestures during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on December 9, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with Barcelona's defender Jordi Alba (R) after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi reacts during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Betis' Costa Rican forward Joel Campbell (L) vies for the ball with Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(42 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates with his team-mates after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on December 9, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on December 9, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(48 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) scores the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)