Argentina’s football stars, Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni, and Emiliano Martinez, made history by sweeping the Best FIFA Awards on Monday in Paris.
The awards covered the period from the start of the 2021-22 season to the end of the 2022 World Cup, where Argentina clinched their first title in 36 years.
Aston Villa’s Martinez beat out Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois and Sevilla’s Yassine Bounou to win the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award, while Scaloni was named the Best FIFA Men’s Coach, defeating Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti.
ALSO READ:Â Lionel Messi crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player
ALSO READ:Â World Cup winner Lionel Scaloni scoops FIFA’s The Best Men’s coach award
Messi was the icing on the cake, taking home the coveted Best FIFA Men’s Player award for the third time, having produced a stunning performance during the World Cup. PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema were also in contention for the award.
Argentina’s fans were also honored with the FIFA Fan Award, highlighting their passion and loyalty towards their team.
On the women’s side, England’s Mary Earps was named Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper, while Sarina Wiegman received her third Best FIFA Women’s Coach award. Alexia Putellas was awarded Best FIFA Women’s Player, beating out Beth Mead.
The ceremony also recognized Polish amputee footballer Marcin Oleksy, who won the FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal, and Luka Lochoshvili, who won the FIFA Fair Play award for potentially saving the life of an opponent during a match.