The Best FIFA Awards: Messi voted for Mane- Here's why
What's the story
Barcelona and Argentine superstar Lionel Messi might have won his record sixth Ballon d'Or title this week, besides winning FIFA's The Best award in September. However, Messi has come with a shocking claim that he had voted for his rival from Liverpool, Sadio Mane, for the same, following his prolific 2018-19 season with the club. Here is more on what he said about it.
The Best
Messi claimed his maiden The Best, Mane finished fifth
The Best is an award given by FIFA to the best player over the year. The award has been given since 2017 and there have been four editions of it so far. Messi won his maiden title this year, while Mane finished in the fifth spot this term, behind Virgil van Dijk, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mohamed Salah. Ronaldo has won it on two occasions.
Baffled Messi
Messi baffled by Mane finishing fifth
Speaking on Mane finishing fifth, Messi said that he was baffled to see it. However, he added that with too many good players coming in this year, it was a difficult and close call. "I chose Mane because he's a player that I like. Mane achieved a great year that was exceptional for the entire Liverpool team," he told Canal+ Sport Africa.
Mane in 2019
Mane played great role for Liverpool last season
Mane has been in prime form for Liverpool since last season. In 2018-19, he played 50 matches and scored 26 goals. It turned out to be his best season at the club, having won the UEFA Champions League as well. This season too he has been doing good, with 13 goals in 21 matches, as Liverpool are unbeaten in the Premier League so far.
Mane's records
Some records held by Mane
Following are some of the records held by Mane: - He scored the fastest hat-trick in the EPL (2 minutes 56 seconds). - He is the highest-scoring footballer from Senegal in the EPL (54). - He is Liverpool's top goal-scorer in away matches of the UCL. - He also holds the record of the longest unbeaten run at Anfield (50-plus matches).
Twitter Post
Mane is having a great time with assists in EPL
2 - Sadio Mane has assisted twice in a Premier League game for the first time since March 2018 v Watford. Delightful. pic.twitter.com/0VFgmPrZFk
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 4, 2019