Lionel Messi’s stunning season became even better as he clinched the 2022 FIFA Best Men’s Award on Monday (February 27) in a ceremony held in Paris. The star Argentine footballer has won the prestigious award for the second time since its inception in 2016.
Messi has become the third footballer after Cristiano Ronaldo (2016, 2017) and Robert Lewandowski (2020, 2021) to win the prize for the second time. Messi’s victory comes on the heels of his historic triumph in the 2022 World Cup, as he led Argentina to the ultimate prize for the first time in 36 years. The 35-year-old captured the holy grail on his fifth attempt, ensuring he has won every trophy available at both club and international levels.
Argentina’s World Cup-winning manager Lionel Scaloni was named best coach at the awards ceremony, which had a strong Argentine flavor.The World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martines won the Best Goalkeeper award too. Barcelona star Alexia Putellas won the FIFA Best Women’s Footballer award.