The Brazilian soccer player is the focus of an onslaught of mockery for his habit of hurling himself to the ground and rolling to cry foul. But some Brazilians have come to his defense.
For the fifth time in seven years, Barcelona and Argentine national team striker Messi has been named the best player in the world. He beat Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil's Neymar.
The Spanish soccer club giant beat Italian side Juventus in June to earn the title of best team in Europe. Wednesday, Barcelona and Roma tied 1-1 in their first game of this year's tournament.
