Lionel Messi (36, Argentina), recognized as the world’s most outstanding soccer player last year, once again congratulated himself on winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Messi was named the best male player of the year at the ‘2022 The Best FIFA Football Awards’ ceremony held in Paris, France on the 27th (local time).
Messi, who scored 7 goals and 3 assists in the World Cup in Qatar, which ended last December, helped Argentina win their first championship in 36 years and received the Golden Ball, the best player award, and beat the two French strikers who were final competitors.
This award determines the winners by reflecting the results of FIFA member team coaches, captains, media, and fan voting.
According to the Associated Press and Reuters, Messi, who stood on the podium, said, “2022 was a ‘crazy year’ for me.”
“In the end, it became a reality. It was the most beautiful thing in my career,” he said. “Winning the World Cup is every player’s dream, but very few can achieve it. Thank God.”
It is the first time since 2019 that Messi has won this award.
In 2020 and 2021, Robert Lewandowski (Poland, FC Barcelona) won the FIFA Male Player of the Year award consecutively.
FIFA, which established the Player of the Year award in 1991, merged with Ballon d’Or, which is selected by French football magazine France Football, in 2010 to award the award under the name of ‘FIFA Ballon d’Or’. awards ceremony is held.
Messi, who also won this award in 2009, has been honored with four awards since 2010 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2015) even after the FIFA Awards were integrated into Ballon d’Or.
Messi also thanked the coach and colleagues who ran together to win the World Cup.
“I’m grateful to coach Lionel Scaloni and my Argentinian teammates. I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” he said.
Coach Scaloni, who led Argentina to the World Cup victory, stood on the podium after being named the Best Male Coach at the FIFA Awards.
Director Scaloni said, “The most beautiful thing is to bring joy to the country and people.”
On this day, he enjoyed the double celebration of extending his contract with the Argentine Football Association until the 2026 World Cup in North and Central America is over.
Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), who played a big role in the final penalty shootout against France, was also named the best goalkeeper for men and boasted the dignity of the ‘World Cup Champion’. 바카라
Argentine fans who cheered enthusiastically during the World Cup in Qatar also enjoyed the joy of receiving the ‘FIFA Fan Award’.
Carlos Pascual (82), a soccer fan who cheered while beating drums in Qatar even at the age of 80, stood up to the podium as a representative and said, “The passion that football creates is just amazing.” I can’t,” he said happily.