Messi named best player at Global Soccer Awards in Dubai

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi received the ‘Best Player of the Year’ award during the Globe Soccer Awards Ceremony at the Dubai International Sports Conference, in United Arab Emirates on Sunday.

The Argentina forward, who scored 58 goals for Barca last season, travelled to Dubai to accept the prize personally.

“It is very nice to receive these awards, but I always say that the group is what makes it possible,” Messi said.

The La Liga giants, who were last season’s winners, dominated the awards ceremony and were named Best Club of the Year - while Josep Maria Bartomeu was awarded the Best President of the Year.

“I am just one of the 140,000 members of FC Barcelona and I’m very proud to be your president. But this award belongs to our members and the 39 presidents who have led the Club throughout our 116-year history. I also thank the players for their effort this year,” Bartomeu said.

Barcelona, who were also awarded the Best Media Attraction in Football award in Dubai, won five titles in 2015 - the Spanish league title, the Copa del Rey, Champions League, European Super Cup and the World Club Cup.