Barcelona's coach Pep Guardiola was keen to deflect any praise on to his players after his side capped a remarkable year by winning the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi. Lionel Messi's extra-time goal earned them a 2-1 win over Estudiantes and means Guardiola's side now hold all six of the titles they competed for this year.
It has been remarkable period for the club and for Guardiola, who only took charge 18 months ago. "For me this was a great year. We have achieved something that no one has achieved before," said the coach, who was in tears after the final whistle. "I'm lucky that I have such quality players in my squad. The success that we've had has been down to them and I'd like to thank them for that.
"To win six successive titles is unthinkable. So many things contributed to it; having few injuries, a squad made up of players who play because they like to, mental strength … Everyone should be happy and congratulations to the club and everybody associated with Barça. We've had the best year in the history of the club."
Having won an unprecedented treble of La Liga, the Champions League and Copa del Rey last season, Barça added the European and Spanish Super Cups in August.
The Copa Libertadores champions Estudiantes looked poised to gatecrash the party though as they took a 37th-minute lead through Mauro Boselli. It was a lead they held until the final minute of normal time, when Barça's substitute Pedro Rodriguez headed an equaliser .
Barça continued to boss the game in extra-time and they capitalised on their dominance by scoring what turned out to be the winner in the 110th minute.
Messi was the scorer, chesting in Dani Alves' cross, and it was fitting that he should be as tomorrow he could add the Fifa world player of the year award to the Ballon d'Or crown he already holds.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/20/barcelona-club-world-cup-messi
