The Champions League "Player of the Year" award has been decided by journalists and they gave it to Lionel Messi. La Pulga is once again considered to be the best player in Europe as he defeated Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammate Luis Suarez in the election.
The Argentinian outnumbered Suarez and Ronaldo in the election
Lionel Messi is crowned the 2014/15 #UEFABestPlayer in Europe! Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/dko39hXbnp
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 27, 2015
While he did not score in the final against Juventus, it was in big part thanks to him that Barcelona reached the final game in Berlin. His two goals in the first semi-final game against Juventus cleared the way for Luis Enrique's team to defend their lead in the second game where they lost 3-2.
The Argentinian striker tallied a total of ten goals this past Champions League season, tied with Neymar and Ronaldo as the leading scorers of the competition. Barcelona had struggled to find its form during the group stage. After the winter break, something happened in Barcelona's locker room, that lead by Messi they became almost as good as the team that Pep Guardiola had managed just a few years back.
It was a good year for Messi
Lionel Messi in 2014/15 season: - 57 games. - 58 goals - 27 assists. - 3 trophies. pic.twitter.com/jFLoA38fD1
— Uber Football Facts (@UberFootbalI) August 27, 2015
To chose the winner 54 journalists from UEFA's associate countries voted during the Champions League draw ceremony. The 28-year old player from Argentina got almost all of those votes to earn the prize. Suarez came in second and Ronaldo in third.
This is the result of the election
Messi won the Uefa Best Player award with 90% of the votes. pic.twitter.com/1bCrX8xZuf
— BarcaHD (@Barcelona_HD) August 27, 2015
The award will have his name written over it once again
Time to engrave Messi's name on the #UEFABestPlayer trophy! pic.twitter.com/pj74KhYykR
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 27, 2015
With their victory over Juventus in Berlin, Messi hoisted his fourth Champions League title. It is not the first time that Messi wins such recognition. In both 2011 Messi was the one to win it. The award was actually created that year. Franck Ribery and Cristiano Ronaldo won it in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
Reactions of La Pulga's achievement (including the never-ending Messi vs CR7 war)
Cristiano Ronaldo being a good sport & applauding Lionel Messi pic.twitter.com/tL3oslRlDg
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@TheCRonaldoFan) August 27, 2015
Congratulations to Leo Messi #UEFABestPlayer and @FCBarcelona
— Patrick Kluivert (@PatrickKluivert) August 27, 2015
Leo Messi named UEFA Best Player of the Year #FCBlive #UEFA pic.twitter.com/cPXlMI98SM
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 27, 2015
Messi: “I'm very happy to win this award. I would like to thank the team. Without them, I would not be here.” pic.twitter.com/BWwk6pLRnZ
— infosmessi (@infosmessi) August 27, 2015
I’m very disappointed that Messi didn’t scream like he was having a panic attack.
— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) August 27, 2015
Congratulations to Lionel Messi on winning the "European Player Of The Year" award!
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) August 27, 2015
Maldini: “Messi has been the best in the world for many years and I think he has surpassed players like Maradona.”
— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) August 27, 2015
Difference when you win an individual trophy pic.twitter.com/2VQsAEqOAP
— GeniusFootball (@GeniusFootball) August 27, 2015
@GeniusFootball diference ? pic.twitter.com/NqpwtKcltm
— William Chaar (@WilliamChJ) August 27, 2015
This is not the end for Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano will use this as motivation, he's very competitive & he will push harder to be in a great position, individually & collectively.
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@TheCRonaldoFan) August 27, 2015
This was the moment that Messi was waiting for
Posted by LiveSoccerTV.com on Thursday, August 27, 2015
Lionel Messi has won it! #UEFAbestPlayer