PARIS — Lionel Messi was named FIFA player of the year on Monday after winning his maiden World Cup title with Argentina in December in Qatar.
The 35-year-old forward scored two goals in the World Cup final, which Argentina won on penalties against France following a 3-3 draw after extra time.
The best women’s player was Spain’s Alexia Putellas for a second straight year. Putellas won her award from Alex Morgan of the United States and Beth Mead, who led England to the European Championship title in 2022.
Earlier, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was voted FIFA men’s coach of the year after leading his team to the World Cup title in December. The women’s coach award went to Sarina Wiegman, who led the England to the title at the Women’s European Championship. The women’s goalkeeper award was given to Euro winner Mary Earps of England, and the best men’s goalkeeper was Argentina’s World Cup winner Emiliano Martínez. — Agencies
