Lionel Messi is simply the best…

For the fourth year straight year, the 25-year-old Argentine fútbol star has been named best forward and best player as Spain’s Liga de Fútbol Profesional handed out awards for the 2011-2012 season.

Messi’s Futbol Club Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta was named best attacking midfielder and the squad’s captain, Carles Puyol, received the Fair Play award.

Real Madrid, which won the 2011-2012 first division title, was represented by Iker Casillas, best goalkeeper; Sergio Ramos, best defender; and Xabi Alonso, best defensive midfielder.

Best coach honors went to Pep Guardiola, who left Barça in May after four seasons highlighted by three Spanish titles and two Champions League crowns.

The award for top newcomer of the 2011-2012 campaign went to Francisco Alarcon, better known as “Isco,” of Malaga.

LFP players vote on the prizes for best player and best coach, while the awards for individual positions are decided by active LFP managers based on criteria set by a panel comprising respected former coaches.