Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has admitted that winning the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or is "unbelievable" for him.

The 25-year-old won the most prestigious individual award in world football for the fourth year in a row on Monday.

"To tell you the truth this is really quite unbelievable," Messi said after being presented with the prize. "The fourth award that I have had is just too great for words.

"I would like to recognise my other colleagues from Barcelona: [Andres] Iniesta it has been great to train and play alongside you.

"I would also like to recognise all of my friends in the Argentinian national team. Everyone that has worked with me, coaches and staff and my family and my friends. Also my wife and my son. Thank you."

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo finished second ahead of Messi's Barcelona teammate Iniesta.