Lionel Messi Wins FIFA's Player of the Year Award Despite Poor World Cup

Filed under: FIFA World Cup, International Soccer, La Liga (Spain), Netherlands, Spain, United States, Uruguay

It's hard to argue with anyone who claims that Lionel Messi is the best soccer player in the world.

But was he the player of the year?

For the first time since it was introduced in 1991, the FIFA player of the year award has gone to someone who did not lift the World Cup the preceding summer. Fifty-eight goals in 54 club matches can make people forget about one disappointing tournament.

So, despite missing out on both the World Cup and UEFA Champions League finals, Messi won the FIFA Ballon d'Or on Monday over Barcelona teammates and World Cup champions Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta.

The award is voted upon in equal proportion by national team coaches, captains and one journalist from each FIFA member.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

New Jersey Ironmen Orlando Sharks Arsenal Aston Villa