January 12, 2016 – Federation of International Football(FIFA) last night named the shining star in the senior team of Argentina, Lionel Messi as footballer of the year.
The footballer who currently plays for Barcelona Football Club was unveiled at the yearly FIFA Ballon d’Or. It was his fifth title in the series, beating his closest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The FC Barcelona No10 was an influential figure in all the titles claimed by Los Culés in 2015: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup,FIFA.com said of the player.
He also scored a total of 48 goals in all competitions over the course of the calendar year, during the 2014/15 season. He was La Liga’s second-highest scorer (43 goals) and leading assist provider (21).
He was also the joint leading scorer (10, along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar) and assist supplier (6) in that term’s Champions League.
Messi also picked up a silver medal with Argentina at the Copa America Chile 2015.
MESSI AND OTHER WINNERS
FIFA Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi
FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year: Carli Lloyd
FIFA Puskás Award: Wendell Lira
FIFA World Coach of the Year (Men’s): Luis Enrique
FIFA World Coach of the Year (Women’s): Jill Ellis
FIFA FIFPro World XI: Neuer; Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Dani Alves; Iniesta, Modric, Pogba; Messi, Neymar, Cristiano
FIFA Fair Play Award: All football organisations supporting refugees
