Keystone SDA | Monday, January 15, 2024
Lionel Messi honored for the eighth time
Lionel Messi honored for the eighth time
Lionel Messi wins FIFA’s World Player of the Year award for the eighth time. The Argentine beats Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé at the gala in London.
Even though Messi didn’t win a major international title last year, the Inter Miami star was at the top of his game, as he was at the Ballon d’Or award last December. Even Haaland, who won almost everything there was to win with Manchester City in 2023, was unable to dethrone the 36-year-old, who had already triumphed last year. The applause in London’s Hammersmith Apollo after the winner was announced was rather muted, especially since Messi did not take part in the event.
Messi prevailed over Haaland by the narrowest of margins. Both received the same number of points from the voting national coaches, players, media and fans. The decisive factor in this case was the more votes that Messi received from the captains of the national teams. Swiss captain Granit Xhaka also chose Messi over Haaland and Mbappé. Nati coach Murat Yakin put Messi ahead of his compatriot Julian Alvarez and Mbappé.
There was no surprise when it came to choosing the best player. Aitana Bonmati, who won the World Cup with Spain and the Champions League with FC Barcelona, secured the award, succeeding her compatriot and teammate Alexia Putellas.
Manchester City’s Brazilian Ederson and the English national goalkeeper Mary Earps were honored as the best goalies.
Guardiola Coach of the Year
The Men’s Coach of the Year award went to Pep Guardiola, who won for the second time since 2011. The Spaniard led Manchester City and Haaland to victory in the league, cup and Champions League last year. He also won the Club World Cup with the English this winter. In the women’s category, the award went to Dutchwoman Sarina Wiegman for the fourth time, who led England to the World Cup final last summer. Spain’s controversial world champion coach Jorge Vilda did not make it among the three nominees.
A baby as a secret star
A crying baby became the star of the evening, at least for a while. At the award for the best fan of the year, Hugo Daniel Iñiguez took his little, dissatisfied daughter on stage. Iñiguez was nominated because the Argentine gave his baby a bottle during a game of his favorite club CA Colon and was caught by the TV cameras.
2024-01-15 23:21:32
#Lionel #Messi #recognized #world #footballer
