Leo Messi runner up in ‘The Best’

Leo Messi has been named as runner up in the FIFA 'The Best' award with the winner being Polish striker Robert Lewandowski. The Argentine, a blaugrana until June of this year and his move to PSG, was chosen as second best player of the year at the gala in Zurich where Barça Women's Alexia Putellas took the women's award. 

The captain of the Argentina national side was also included in the FIFA FIFPRO Best XI.

After collecting his 7th Ballon d'Or award in November, Messi was unable to add a second 'The Best' award to his list of individual honours after winning in 2019. Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski took the prize for the second year in a row with 48 points, four ahead of Messi and nine ahead of third placed Mohammed Salah of Liverpool. 

A winner for Barça and Argentina

Messi has enjoyed yet another amazing year in 2021. With FC Barcelona he won the Copa del Rey and finished as La Liga top scorer for a simply incredible eighth time with 30 goals.

He also finally got to win the Copa América with Argentina, being named MVP of the tournament and topping the lists for goals and assists.