Argentina’s Lionel Messi has been named the UEFA Best Player in Europe for the 2014-15 season for helping Barcelona to a Treble of trophies. The Argentine star defeated the other finalists, his Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the award a year ago, after a live vote of journalists. Messi last won the award in 2011, the first year that Europe’s governing body awarded the honour. After that Iniesta won it in 2012, Ribery in 2013 and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2014.
Frankfurt forward Celia Sasic won the UEFA Best Women’s Player in Europe award. Sasic, who led the Women’s Champions League in scoring last season and recently retired, beat Dzsenifer Marozsan and Amandine Henry to land the award.
Messi also took home the award for best goal for his stunning effort last season when he embarrassed Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boatengduring a Champions League semifinal match.
- Messi’s full name is Luis Lionel Andres Messi.
- Messi was born on June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina.
- He is the winner of the Ballon d’Or, or footballer of the year, for a record four consecutive years (2009-2012).
- Messi leaded Argentina’s soccer team to a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Beijing.
- One of Lionel’s nicknames is “The Flea” due to his speed and agility.
- In 2014, Messi wins the Golden Ball award for the best player of the World Cup tournament.
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