Messi is a world footballer – but Paul Breitner takes care of the moment of the evening
Lionel Messi is world champion – and world footballer again
Source: REUTERS
Lionel Messi has once again won the most important individual award available in football. The Argentine was named world footballer in absentia. But the emotional climax was different.
Dhe Argentinian Lionel Messi has been named World Player of the Year for the eighth time. The 36-year-old world champion was honored in London on Monday evening, but was not there.
Messi, who has been playing in the US league for Inter Miami since this season, was considered an outsider in the top three, which also included Kylian Mbappé (PSG) and Erling Haaland (Manchester City). The Norwegian was the clear favorite for the title, but was left behind. Messi was neither in the room nor was there a prepared video message, which, combined with the palpable lack of understanding in the room about the election, turned the big moment into a less than celebratory moment. In any case, the applause was restrained.
Coaches, players, journalists – and the fans, the majority of whom still carry Messi in their hearts, are eligible to vote. As the election results show, the decision in favor of Messi was razor thin. Like Haaland, the Argentine received a total of 48 points – in the event of a tie, the first votes of the national team captains count, and here Messi was clearly ahead.
Without a doubt, Paul Breitner was responsible for the biggest emotional moment of the evening. During the gala, three great football legends who died this year were remembered: the Englishman Bobby Charlton, the Brazilian Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer, who led Germany to World Cup triumph as captain and later as coach.
“By far the best player Germany has ever had”
After a film about the emperor’s work, his long-time teammate Breitner was interviewed in the hall. The 1974 world champion was certainly prepared for this moment, but clearly had trouble maintaining his composure. “Franz was by far the best player Germany has ever had,” said the now 72-year-old, finally fighting back tears when he talked about the man Beckenbauer.
Breitner spoke highly of his long-time teammate’s willingness to help and openness (“He was an extraordinary person”) before sitting back down in his chair with a “Thank you.” Moderator Thierry Henry, a long-time world-class player, also had to swallow hard after Breitner’s words.
Aitana Bonmatí (25), who celebrated the World Cup title with Spain in the summer, was named the best female soccer player. Haaland coach Pep Guardiola was honored as the best coach, and the best coach was the Dutchwoman Sarina Wiegman, who led the English national team to the World Cup final in the summer.
