Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or, beating Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo into second place.The Argentinian beat last year’s winner Cristiano Ronaldo into second place in the poll for Europe’s footballer of the year, organised by France Football magazine.Messi, 22, becomes the sixth Barcelona player to take the award but the first for four years – since Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho.Messi recently signed a two-year contract extension with the European champions until 2016 – an improved deal which includes a buy-out clause worth 250million euros (£228million).The Argentinian won an unprecedented treble last season as the Catalan side won the Champions League, the Spanish title and the Copa del Rey.Messi was the top scorer in last year’s Champions League with nine goals, including a header in the 2-0 final defeat of Manchester United in Rome.Messi told France Football: “There’s lots of emotion – the Ballon d’Or is very important for me.“I know I appeared among the favourites because Barcelona had a profitable year.“For me it’s a big honour to win – but also to become the first Argentinian in history to receive the trophy.“I dedicate it to my family, they were always present when I needed them and…