Lionel Messi's Next Mission: Success at 2010 FIFA World Cup

Lionel Messi’s FIFA World Player of the Year award certifies the FC Barcelona star as one of the greatest footballers in this generation.

The 22 year old was heads and shoulders above any other player in a 2008/09 season which saw Messi score 38 goals in all competitions.

Much like Barcelona’s domination in club football at the moment, Messi received over 1000 votes to seal his status as the greatest player in the world.

The Argentine finished way ahead of last year’s winner Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona teammate Xavi.

The majority of his on field successes occurred at club level, playing an integral part in a masterful campaign which saw Barcelona win six titles, including the Champions league and FIFA Club World Cup.

Having officially confirmed his status as the greatest footballer this year, no doubt Messi’s next move will be to shine for Argentina at next year’s FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

The Barcelona forward has had trouble replicating his club form at international level, and will be hoping his footballing prowess will come to the fore when it counts next June.

The FIFA World Player of the Year is already under immense pressure from national coach Diego Maradona to take charge of a side desperately in need of guidance.

Argentina fumbled their way through the World Cup qualifiers, only securing their passage to South Africa with a 1-0 victory against Uruguay in the last round.

Messi’s influence during the world cup qualifiers was hardly evident, cutting a forlorn figure at a time when the national team needed its best player to shine.

Having secured World Cup qualification however, Messi will have seven games next June to prove whether or not he truly is one of the world game’s true greats.

Indeed Messi’s first match after receiving his FIFA award will be to line-up for Argentina in a friendly against Catalonia.

Whilst the match may not have any significant importance, it presents Messi with a terrific opportunity to build confidence with an Argentina team desperately in need of his best form.

No doubt Messi’s performance against Catalonia may prove to be the most vital step in allowing the 22-year-old to start asserting his match winning presence for Maradona’s men in South Africa next year.

If the Barcelona ace does manage to replicate his club form at the World Cup, then Argentina will have every chance of winning a third crown, regardless of their recent performances.