Magnificent Messi lands sixth crown

BARCELONA superstar Lionel Messi has beaten Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk and five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo to claim FIFA’s Player of the Year award for a record sixth time.

“I want to thank those who gave this prize to me,” the 32-year-old Messi said, “even though individual awards are a secondary thing to me. It is a unique moment and it is good to celebrate it with my family and my children.”

The Argentine already won the prestigious award, formerly called the Ballon d’Or, in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015.

Last season he scored 51 goals and won his 10th La Liga title with Barcelona, where he has played since 2004, clinching four Champions League trophies.

The award for best women’s player went to Megan Rapinoe, who helped the US triumph at the 2019 World Cup in France.

Rapinoe had lifted the previous 2015 World Cup under coach Jill Ellis, who received the prize for best women’s coach.

The outspoken Rapinoe pleaded for her male and female colleagues to join the likes of Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling in speaking out on racism and other inequalities.

The best male coach award went to Juergen Klopp while Alisson Becker was named best goalkeeper — both enjoying Liverpool’s Champions League triumph.

“My team gave me the opportunity to lift this trophy,” Klopp said. “I did not know how it would feel to win this award, but it feels really good. It is important to use your character to lead a football team.”

Daniel Zsori’s spectacular overhead kick brought him the Ferenc Puskas award, bringing the prize home in a sense as it bears the name of the 20th-century footballing legend from Zsori’s native Hungary.