The London stage glittered under the weight of expectation on Monday night, as football royalty gathered for the prestigious FIFA "The Best" awards. But all eyes were fixed on one man: Lionel Messi. And after a nail-biting finish, the Argentinian maestro won Best Award, adding another chapter to his already legendary tale.
It wasn't easy. Erling Haaland, the Manchester City goal machine, loomed large, breathing down Messi's neck with a 48-point tie after voting by coaches, captains, journalists, and fans. But in a twist of fate worthy of a Hollywood script, a tiebreaker system swung the pendulum. Messi Wins Best Award, thanks to garnering 107 first-place votes (or "5-point" scores) from national team captains, compared to Haaland's 64.
While neither Messi, now weaving his magic in Major League Soccer for Inter Miami, nor Haaland graced the ceremony with their presence, their impact on the game remains undeniable. At 36, Messi Wins Best Award, defying age and expectations with his instrumental role in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup triumph and single-handedly boosting American soccer's profile. This, coupled with his record-breaking Ballon d'Or win in October, cemented his dominance as the world's top footballer.
This Messi Wins Best Award victory, however, doesn't encompass the World Cup, which ended 13 months ago. The award recognized achievements from after the tournament through August 2023. This makes Messi Wins Best Award even more remarkable, showcasing his sustained brilliance over an extended period.
But the night wasn't just about Messi. Across the aisle, Spain and Barcelona's Aitana Bonmatí exuded regal authority, winning Best Award for Best Women's Player. Fresh off her Ballon d'Or win and UEFA accolades, Bonmatí capped off a phenomenal year by leading Spain to a historic World Cup victory and Barcelona's Champions League win, becoming player of the tournament in both competitions.
On the managerial front, Pep Guardiola's mesmerizing treble with Manchester City earned him the Best Men's Coach award, while England's Sarina Wiegman, the architect behind the Lionesses' World Cup triumph, was rightfully crowned the Best Women's Coach.
As another awards season concludes, one thing remains clear: football thrives on the brilliance of players like Messi, Bonmatí, and their contemporaries. Whether winning Best Award with gravity-defying dribbles or dictating the play with pinpoint precision, these players push the boundaries of the possible, reminding us that football, at its core, is a captivating dance between artistry and athleticism.
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img via: Eurasia Sport Images