The Barcelona forward reclaimed the biggest individual accolade in world football in Zurich on Monday, beating Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, the three-time victor he has been runner-up behind for the last two years. The other nominees included Messi’s dynamic Barcelona teammate Neymar and Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Interestingly, neither All Whites coach Anthony Hudson or captain Chris Wood voted for Messi.
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique won the men’s coaching award, and the U.S. National Team’s Jill Ellis and Carli Lloyd won for women’s coach and player, respectively. I want to thank everyone who voted and my teammates, for without them none of this would ever have been possible.
The Argentina worldwide netted a staggering 48 goals in 56 games for club and country in 2015 as he inspired Barcelona to a La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey treble last season.
“It’s incredible, much more than anything I dreamed of as a kid”, Messi said on receiving the award.
“It’s a very special moment to be back here, winning another Ballon d’Or”, said Messi as he received the award.
Brazil star Neymar came third in the vote of journalists and coaches.
Messi got 41.33 percent of the vote while Cristiano Ronaldo finished in second with 27.76 percent of the votes, and Neymar finished in third with 7.86 percent of the votes, according to the Associated Press.
“We have always had a good relationship”, said Messi about his rivalry with Ronaldo. The American, who played a key role in the USA’s World Cup win, choked back the tears just enough to say: “It’s an honour”.
He also inspired Argentina to the Copa America final, where they were beaten by Chile on penalties. Messi may have had to overcome injury in order to lift the award yet again, but he’s been phenomenal since his return from the sidelines.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was German champions Bayern Munich’s only representative.
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Brazilian Wendell Lira won the Puskas Award for the best goal.
