Lionel Messi Conquers All in AP Soccer Rankings

LONDON (AP) - Lionel Messi brushed aside all challengers in the AP Global Soccer rankings this week, although his Barcelona team came close to being topped by new world club champion Corinthians of Brazil.

Messi scored two more goals in La Liga last weekend, giving him a staggering 90 on the year. He received 169 points of a possible 190 from AP's panel of 19 global soccer journalists.

Corinthians goalkeeper Cassio played a key role in the 1-0 defeat of Chelsea in Japan on Sunday. He earned 72 points, two more than Manchester United's Dutch striker Robin van Persie.

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