Messi, Barcelona win big at Awards

Barcelona and star player Lionel Messi triumphed at the seventh edition of the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Sunday, taking home the prizes for best team and best player.

Messi had travelled from Argentina to attend the ceremony.

“It’s very nice to receive these awards, but I always say that the team makes it possible,” said Messi. “It’s been an extraordinary year.”

Barcelona won five titles in 2015 – the Spanish league title, the Copa del Rey, Champions League, European Super Cup and the World Club Cup.

Only the Spanish Super Cup eluded them with a loss to Athletic Bilbao.

Belgian coach Marc Wilmots was named best manager while Benfica took the award for best club academy.

Italy’s Andrea Pirlo and England’s Frank Lampard were lauded for their long careers.