After Ronaldinho lost form , Messi became Barça 's new star player at only 20 years old , receiving the nickname " Messiah " from the Spanish media . His efforts in 2007 also earned him award recognition ; journalists voted him the third-best player of the year for the 2007 Ballon d'Or , behind Kaká and runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo , while international managers and national team captains voted him second for the FIFA World Player of the Year award , again behind Kaká . Although he managed to score 16 goals during the 2007 – 08 campaign , the second half of his season was again marred by injuries after he suffered a torn hamstring on 15 December . He returned to score twice in their away victory against Celtic in the last 16 round of the Champions League , becoming the competition 's top scorer at that point with six goals , but reinjured himself during the return leg on 4 March 2008 . Rijkaard had fielded him despite warning from the medical staff , leading captain Carles Puyol to criticise the Spanish media for pressuring Messi to play every match . Barcelona finished the season without trophies , eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals by the eventual champions , Manchester United , and placed third in the league
2007 Ballon d'Or
2007 Ballon d'Or
Lionel Messi