Lionel Messi won the award for best player of the year, presented by FIFA. The award was not safe from controversy, since, for many fans, Erling Haaland was the one who deserved it, and not the Argentinian. The 3 nominees were Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé.
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Kylian Mbappé was not a favorite to win the award, however, for many the Norwegian striker from Manchester City was without a doubt the main favorite. Therefore, it surprised everyone that Lionel Messi came out on top in the people's vote. Given this, criticism has rained down on Argentina's number 10.
One of the most viral reactions on social media is precisely that of Erling Haaland's father, who was present at the FIFA ceremony, which was organized in England, London. Halaand's father couldn't believe it and even let out a wry laugh.
Pep Guardiola won the award for the best coach in the world, after winning all the possible trophies with his Manchester City. The Catalan coach's words have also gone viral, as he even remembered to mention FC Barcelona after their debacle against Real Madrid.
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The words of Josep Guardiola:
"I would like to share this award with Luciano, for his great season with Napoli after so many years, and with Simone, for how difficult he made it for us in the final with that wonderful squad. And I also want to share it with the City owners, especially with Ferran Soriano, for creating this idea, and with Txiki Begiristan, for trusting me. My unconditional support for Xavi and the players, for the footballers to take a step forward because they have shown that they have level, quality and this is a very long time. "There is a tendency to throw everything overboard. This business is complicated, difficult. You have lost a final, to congratulate your rival and learn,"
