Lionel Messi grasps the FIFA Ballon d'Or trophy.

Lionel Messi has been awarded the FIFA Ballon d'Or for a record fourth time in succession at a gala ceremony in Zurich, beating off competition from Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta.

Messi enjoyed a remarkable 2012 even by his own high standards, most notably surpassing Gerd Muller's 40-year-old record of 85 goals in a calendar year, finishing with an incredible 91.

He becomes the first player to win four consecutive Ballons d'Or, breaking the record he jointly held with former France international, and current Uefa president, Michel Platini.

"To tell you the truth this is really quite unbelievable," Messi said. "The fourth award that I have won is just too great for words. I want to remember my team-mates at Barcelona, especially Andres. It is with great pride that I am beside you today and that you play and train with us.

"(I also want to thank) my team-mates with Argentina, my colleagues who voted for me, the captains and coaches, my family, my friends, and lastly and most especially my wife and my son. Thanks very much."

Messi polled 41.60% of the votes, with Ronaldo taking 23.68% and Iniesta 10.91%.

Messi also featured in the team of the year, which was made up of 10 players from Barca and Real Madrid plus Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao.

USA forward Wambach was named women's world player of the year, the first American to win the award since Mia Hamm in 2002.

Del Bosque and Pia Sundhage collected the men's and women's coaching gongs for their work with Spain and USA respectively.