MUMBAI: Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has emerged as the richest football player in 2011 with earnings of ?27.5 million from wages, bonuses, sponsorships and endorsements, according to France Football magazine.

The Argentinian, who commands an annual salary of ?13 million, also endorses some of the world?s leading global brands, including Adidas and Pepsi.

Messi is followed by David Beckham of England and Portugal?s Cristiano Ronaldo who are at the second and third spot with earnings of ?26.2 million and ?24.3 million.

The list has Manchester United star Wayne Rooney at the fifth place behind Samuel Eto?o, who plays for Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala. Eto?o earned ?19.3 million while Rooney took home ?17.2 million.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is the top-paid coach with ?12.3 million this year, while Paris St Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti is second (?11 million) with Barcelona?s Pep Guardiola (?7.88 million) at the third place.

MUMBAI: US First Lady Michelle Obama will make a special taped appearance at US kids broadcaster Cartoon Network‘s upcoming Hall of Game Awards (HallofGame.com).

Mrs. Obama founded Let‘s Move! two years ago to solve the problem of childhood obesity. The First Lady will
appear onscreen to speak about the importance of getting active and to congratulate "Let‘s Move L.A." on the work they‘ve done to get people moving.

Hosted by basketball legend and TNT NBA analyst Shaquille O‘Neal, the second annual Cartoon Network Hall of Game Awards premieres on 20 February and lets viewers vote and honour their favourite sports stars and sports moments of the year.

In addition to musical performances by Hot Chelle Ray and Flo Rida, viewers can tune in to see personalities like Los Angeles Galaxy star David Beckham, Nick Cannon ‘America‘s Got Talent‘, Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints quarterback), Victor Cruz (New York Giants wide receiver) and Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers quarterback.

Also appearing are the cast of Cartoon Network‘s ‘Dude, What Would Happen‘ - C.J. Manigo, Jackson Rogow and Ali Sepasyar - as well as the cast from the comedy ‘Level Up‘ - Gaelan Connell, Connor del Rio, Jessie T. Usher, Aimee Carrero and Lonny Ross, and the 2011 SI Kids SportsKid of the Year.

The broadcaster adds that voting on HallofGame.com has passed 92 million. Fans can log on to HallofGame.com and vote for their favourites in 11 different categories.