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Sports / Football

Messi, Barcelona win big at Globe Soccer Awards

Published: 28 Dec 2015 - 11:12 am | Last Updated: 03 Nov 2021 - 12:40 am
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Barcelona striker Lionel Messi (L) receiving the trophy for best player of the year during the Dubai Globe Soccer award at the end of the Dubai International Sports Conference on December 27, 2015 in the United Arab Emirate of Dubai. (AFP)

 

Dubai: Barcelona and star player Lionel Messi triumphed at the seventh edition of the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Sunday, taking home the prizes for best team and best player.

Messi had travelled from Argentina to attend the ceremony.

"It's very nice to receive these awards, but I always say that the team makes it possible," said Messi. "It's been an extraordinary year."

Barcelona won five titles in 2015 -- the Spanish league title, the Copa del Rey, Champions League, European Super Cup and the World Club Cup.

Barcelona's soccer player Lionel Messi (L) shakes hands with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, prime minister and vice president of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, before the Dubai International Sports Conference, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on December 27, 2015. (Reuters)

Only the Spanish Super Cup eluded them with a loss to Athletic Bilbao.

Belgian coach Marc Wilmots was named best manager while Benfica took the award for best club academy.

Italy's Andrea Pirlo and England's Frank Lampard were lauded for their long careers.

AFP