The Barcelona superstar took the award ahead of his long-time rival and Liverpool ’s defensive rock Virgil van Dijk.
Messi, who won La Liga last season as well as the European golden boot, last won the award in 2015.
His win was something of a surprise, given Van Dijk had been expected to take the crown following his role in the Reds’ Champions League success.
The Dutchman had also taken UEFA’s best European player award last month.
But Messi took the honours at the La Scala Opera house in Milan - with Ronaldo conspicuous by his absence.
The Portuguese superstar wasn’t even named by hosts when the FIFPro World XI was announced, with the 34-year-old treated as persona non grata and no mention being made that one of the eleven was missing.
Ten minutes after the ceremony ended in Italy, Ronaldo took to Instagram to show off what he’d been upto away from the event - seemingly immersing himself in a book while son Cristiano Jr appeared to be doing his homework.
He also offered up a few words, although it isn't quite discernible whether he is talking about his not being victorious, or his current thigh injury.
"Patience and persistence are two characteristics that differentiate the professional from the amateur," wrote Ronaldo.
"Everything that is big today has started small. You can't do everything, but do everything you can to make your dreams come true.
"And keep in mind that after night always comes dawn."
0 comments:
Post a Comment