Messi receives Golden Boot as Europe's top scorer

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been presented with his second Golden Boot award in recognition for scoring the most goals in Europe’s domestic leagues last season. The 25-year-old Messi scored a Spanish-league record 50 goals for Barcelona, edging out fellow Spanish league star Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid by four goals. [caption id=“attachment_507111” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Messi is among the favorites to win the 2012 Ballon d’Or for the world’s best player. Reuters[/caption] Messi dedicated the award to his teammates, saying “it is a prize for scoring goals, but without my teammates I couldn’t have scored them.” The Argentina international won his first Golden Boot in 2010 for his 34 goals that helped Barcelona win the league title. Messi is among the favorites to win the 2012 Ballon d’Or for the world’s best player. AP