Lionel Messi won the FIFA men’s Player of the Year award as beaten rival Cristiano Ronaldo stayed aloof from the star-studded ceremony in Milan’s iconic La Scala opera house. Barcelona striker Messi’s conclusion was a surprise as he edged out poet Van Dijk, who won the UEFA player’s award last month once serving to port to the Champions League last season .Juventus forward Ronaldo had additionally been shortlisted for the award, however didn’t attend the ceremony as he was named in FIFA’s World eleven best Football team together with Messi.

Both Messi, 32, and Van Dijk, 28, area unit currently within the running for the desired Ballon d’Or which is able to be proclaimed announced on 2 December. I want to convey those that determined to provide ME this recognition, said Messi. the foremost vital factor on behalf of me is that the collective awards, however nowadays is additionally a really special night on behalf of me. It is the primary time that Messi has won the FIFA Best Award that was created in 2016. Ronaldo won for 2016 and 2017, with Croatian Luka Modric beating each last year. Messi was prime scorer within the Champions League last season with twelve goals before Barcelona were drop out by port within the semi-finals. Argentine Republic won the European Golden Shoe once marking thirty-six goals, the La Liga title with Barcelona and helped Argentina to bronze at 2019 Copa America. Van Dijk had been bidding to become a rare defender to win a FIFA player award, since Italian Fabio Cannavaro won the globe Player of the Year, and he Ballon d’Or in 2006. The Netherlands captain also missed out on completing a treble for Liverpool with manager Jurgen Klopp winning the men’s coach of the year award and Alisson Becker the goalkeeper prize.

Megan Rapinoe beat fellow World Cup winner Alex Morgan and England’s Lucy Bronze to the women’s prize, with her USA coach Jill Ellis lifting the women’s coaching award Rapinoe, 34, was joint top scorer with six goals at the women’s World Cup and won the Golden Boot, also gaining the Golden Ball for the best player and becoming the face of the tournament for her outspoken views on US president Donald Trump and campaigning for LGBT rights We have such an incredible opportunity being professional football players. (click for more soccer matches)