PARIS – Lionel Messi was named FIFA player of the year 2022 on Monday as Argentina won all the major men’s awards following their victorious World Cup final in December.
In a thrilling final match against France, the 35-year-old forward demonstrated remarkable talent and skill by scoring two crucial goals. Ultimately, the South American team emerged as the victors in a nail-biting penalty shootout, triumphing over their opponents after a thrilling 3-3 draw in extra time at the Qatar tournament.
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| Soccer Football – The Best FIFA Football Awards – Salle Pleyel, Paris, France – February 27, 2023 The FIFA Women´s World 11 Christiane Endler, Lucy Bronze, Mapi Leon, Wendie Renard, Leah Williamson, Lena Oberdorf, Alexia Putellas, Keira Walsh, Sam Kerr, Beth Mead and Alex Morgan at the Best FIFA Football Awards. Photo: Reuters |
“It is truly incredible. This past year has been nothing short of exceptional, and I am truly humbled to be standing here tonight, accepting this prestigious award,” expressed Messi. He remained seated alongside his teammate, Kylian Mbappe, the talented forward from France’s Paris St Germain, during the entire ceremony held at Paris’s Salle Pleyel.
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| Soccer Football – The Best FIFA Football Awards – Salle Pleyel, Paris, France – February 27, 2023 FC Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas winner of The Best FIFA Women’s Player award 2022. Photo: Reuters |
Kylian Mbappe, who was also a contender for the prestigious award of the evening, scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final. However, Messi’s long-awaited triumph in the ultimate prize of global football overshadowed Mbappe’s remarkable accomplishment.
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| Soccer Football – The Best FIFA Football Awards – Salle Pleyel, Paris, France – February 27, 2023 The FIFA World 11 Virgil van Dijk, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Achraf Hakimi, Casemiro and Joao Cancelo at the Best FIFA Football Awards. Photo: Reuters |
“I would like to extend my gratitude to coach Lionel Scaloni and my teammates, as without their support and teamwork, I would not have reached this point,” Messi expressed his gratitude.
“I have successfully fulfilled a long-held aspiration, a dream that few individuals ever realize. It is an achievement that every player aspires to, and I consider myself exceptionally fortunate to have accomplished it.”
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| Soccer Football – The Best FIFA Football Awards – Salle Pleyel, Paris, France – February 27, 2023 Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni receives the Best Coach award at the Best FIFA Football Awards. Photo: Reuters |
His compatriots Lionel Scaloni and Emiliano Martinez were both presented with awards, with Scaloni winning the Coach of the Year accolade and Martinez being named Keeper of the Year. Additionally, their dedicated supporters were recognized for their unwavering commitment and received the prestigious Best Fans prize. Furthermore, England was commended for their triumphant performance in the Women’s Euro 2022 tournament.
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| Soccer Football – The Best FIFA Football Awards – Salle Pleyel, Paris, France – February 27, 2023 Aston Villa’s Emilio Martinez receives the Best Goalkeeper award from Enjola Aluko during the Best FIFA Football Awards. Photo: Reuters |
Mary Earps was awarded the title of goalkeeper of the year, while England’s Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman was honored as the best coach. Wiegman’s team had an impressive representation in the year’s World 11, with four players earning a spot – Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, and Keira Walsh.
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| Soccer Football – The Best FIFA Football Awards – Salle Pleyel, Paris, France – February 27, 2023 England manager Sarina Wiegman receiving the Best Women’s Coach award at the Best FIFA Football Awards. Photo: Reuters |
Spain’s Alexia Putellas, who was awarded the Ballon d’Or in the previous year, has been honored as the women’s player of the year. Her exceptional performance played a pivotal role in leading Barcelona to secure their third consecutive national title in 2022.
Polish amputee, Marcin Oleksy, was awarded the prestigious Puskas prize for scoring the best goal of the year. His incredible acrobatic volley, executed during a match between Warta Poznan and Stal Rzeszow, solidified his well-deserved recognition.
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| Soccer Football – The Best FIFA Football Awards – Salle Pleyel, Paris, France – February 27, 2023 Marcin Oleksy receiving the Puskas Award during the Best FIFA Football Awards. Photo: Reuters |
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