The 2022 Best FIFA Awards have recognized Lionel Messi of Argentina and Paris St. Germain as the male player of the year.
The 35-year-old won the award ahead of French attackers Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe.
Messi scored 27 goals in 49 games for club and country in 2021–2022 as he led Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar.
Messi said :
“It’s amazing. It’s been a tremendous year and it’s an honour for me to be here and win this award. Without my team-mates I wouldn’t be here.
“I achieved the dream I had been hoping for for so long. Very few people can achieve that and I have been lucky to do so.”
Scaloni won the award ahead of Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid and Pep Guardiola of Manchester City, who led his team to the Champions League trophy and a sixth consecutive Premier League triumph.
Sarina Wiegman, the manager of England, won the title of women’s coach of the year after guiding the Lionesses to their first major victory at home in the European Championship last year.
Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa and Argentina received the title for best male goalkeeper, and Mary Earps of England took home the prize for best female goalkeeper.
Martinez, contributed to his nation’s victory in the World Cup by saving four penalties along the way, including one in the final shootout victory over France.