Messi, who else? The world footballer par excellence

The 35-year-old further expanded his status as the record winner of the FIFA election. After his first World Cup triumph with Argentina, Messi was the logical winner. The French Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema were left behind. As in the previous year, the women's award from the world association went to the Spaniard Alexia Putellas from FC Barcelona.

When he took the stage in the Salle Pleyel not far from the Arc de Triomphe in the French capital, Messi had to grin. “It’s a great pleasure to be back here,” said the Paris Saint-Germain superstar. Messi last held the trophy in his hands in 2019. Even then, he had already surpassed his eternal adversary Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five awards. Messi has now succeeded the Pole Robert Lewandowski, who was recently honored twice. “It is the most beautiful, the greatest, the most amazing.” Lionel Messi on winning the World Cup “This year has been incredible. I was able to fulfill my biggest dream, which I had been working towards for so long. “It means so much to me,” said Messi about the World Cup title. “It is the most beautiful, the greatest, the most amazing thing that has happened to me in my career. It's the best thing that can happen to a football player.” In club football, “La Pulga” had already won everything there was to win with FC Barcelona. He was also champion with PSG last year.

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As expected, world champion coach Lionel Scaloni was named World Coach of the Year. The 44-year-old beat Carlo Ancelotti from Champions League winners Real Madrid and Pep Guardiola from English champions Manchester City. On the day of the award ceremony, Scaloni also sealed his contract extension with the Argentine association until 2026. “It's the best thing when you can make the people in your country cheer,” he said about the World Cup triumph in Qatar in December.

Scaloni best coach, Martinez best goalie Argentina's men won big. The title of world goalkeeper went to Emiliano Martinez. In addition to Messi, his PSG club colleagues Mbappe and Real Madrid's Benzema on the offensive, ex-Salzburg player Erling Haaland also made it into the world selection. The team was chosen exclusively by football professionals together with the players' union FIFPro. Real Madrid goalie Thibaut Courtois was also considered there instead of Martinez. Benzema missed the World Cup injured after being awarded the Ballon d'Or in the autumn.

For women, both awards went to the same player. Putellas also won the FIFA election for the second time after the “Ballon d'Or”, although the 29-year-old midfielder was recently troubled by an injury. The Dutchwoman Sarina Wiegman, who led England to the European Championship title, was chosen as the best coach for the second time after 2017. The best goalkeeper Mary Earps is also part of the successful English team.

At the beginning of the “The Best” gala, Pele was posthumously honored with an honorary award. The Brazilian legend died at the end of last year at the age of 82. His widow accepted the silver trophy from former world champion Ronaldo. “Pele is immortal,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Former world footballer Ronaldo and Pele's former teammate Jairzinho paid tribute to the three-time world champion. In a video - accompanied by Pele's statements - important stages in his unique career were shown.

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Messi, who else? The world footballer par excellence

In his current adopted home of Paris, Lionel Messi was named World Footballer of the Year for the seventh time late on Monday evening.

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