BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Lionel Messi on Wednesday said he is "very proud" of having won in Argentina the best athlete of the year award.

"I am very proud that my country recognizes me with an award that is so

important," said Messi when he arrived in Buenos Aires.

Messi, 24, received the "Golden Olympia" award to the best athlete in 2011, given by the Argentine journalists each year.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi waves to his supporters before the match against Napoli during their Joan Gamper friendly soccer match at the Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona August 22, 2011.