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Lionel Messi defeated Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk and Juventus striker Cristiano Ronaldo to clinch the sixth-best-ever FIFA World Cup record for best male player on Monday.
The prize was awarded to the captain of Barcelona and Argentina during a ceremony in Milan.
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Messi, 32, led Barcelona to a fourth league title in the past five seasons, scoring 36 goals and providing 15 assists in 35 league games in the last campaign. He scored 51 goals and 22 assists in all competitions.
Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric won the trophy last year, ending a multi-year duel between Messi and Ronaldo. Messi, however, found the trophy for the sixth time in his history after winning the first FIFA prize in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015.
Prior to Modric's victory, Ronaldo and Messi had won all the FIFA World Player of the Year Awards, renamed FIFA Gold Ball in 2010 and Best in 2016, since 2007, the year of Kaka's victory.
Messi's victory is somewhat surprising with Van Dijk, a central defender who transformed Liverpool's defense on the way to the UEFA Champions League crown after winning the prize for the best European player.
In addition, Debrecen striker Daniel Zsori won the Puskas prize for his free kick against Ferencvaros in a Hungarian league match.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was named coach of the year, while Reds goalkeeper Alisson was named best goalkeeper.
US Head Coach Jill Ellis and midfielder Megan Rapinoe were named coach and player of the year, respectively, for the triumph of the USWNT Cup. in the world, while Dutch goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal was elected the year guard for serving her country in the final. of the competition.
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa has received the fair play award.
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