LONDON (AP) -- Despite failing to win European soccer's top prize,
Barcelona came out as the top team this season in The Associated Press
global soccer poll.
And with 60 goals in all competitions, Barcelona forward Lionel Messi
earned 66 votes more than Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo to top the
season-end player rankings.
 Ronaldo (left) and Messi. 1/1 
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"Messi's supreme form until getting injured near the end of the season -
a key factor in Barca's exit from Europe - means he is a more obvious
standout for player of the year, especially as Bayern's success was
built more on team and squad depth rather than one outstanding
individual," said panelist James Porteous of the South China Morning
Post.
