Monday night was one of the best moments for some footballing icons and fans across the globe.
The 2022 FIFA Awards, which took place in Paris, saw Argentina forward Lionel Messi emerge as the top men’s player in world football.
After the award was handed to the World Cup winner in Paris, FIFA gave some fascinating reading as to who voted for who, with the likes of Harry Kane, Thiago Silva and David Alaba appearing on the list.
🏆 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜 🏆
#TheBest FIFA Men’s Player Award 2022 goes to Lionel Messi! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/HXEugVH1t9— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) February 27, 2023
In regard to this, the Austria captain David Alaba’s vote brought the most reaction. The votes show he chose the Les Parisiens star Lionel Messi ahead of his La Casa Blanca colleague Karim Benzema.
Alaba handed his five points to Messi before voting for Benzema in second and Kylian Mbappe in third – a decision that saw the hashtag #AlabaOut trending on social media.
The 30-year-old was racially abused on both his Twitter and Instagram accounts.
However, in the early hours of Tuesday, Alaba has since released a statement on his Twitter page explaining his decision to vote for Messi.
“Regarding FIFA The Best Award: The Austrian national team vote for this award as a team, not me alone. Everyone in the team council is able to vote and that’s how it’s decided,” he said.
“Everyone knows, especially Karim, how much I admire him and his performances and I have often said that for me he is the best striker in the world, and that is still the case. Without doubt.”
Regarding FIFA The Best Award:
The Austrian national team vote for this award as a team, not me alone. Everyone in the team council is able to vote and that's how it's decided.Everyone knows, especially Karim, how much I admire him and his performances
— David Alaba (@David_Alaba) February 28, 2023
Despite Alaba’s statement, there have been mixed reactions from football fans across the globe. Some comments say the Madrid defender did no wrong in voting for Messi.
There is no need to Rac1ally abuse Alaba for his opinion. He backstabbed Benzema we all know it, now move on.
I wish Barca fans should’ve come out for rac1sm against Vini in the same way. But according to them rac1sm against Vini is justified. Hypocrites.
— Dr Yash (@YashRMFC) February 28, 2023
Can’t believe they’re racially abusing Alaba for choosing Messi as his Goat, shameless fanbase. pic.twitter.com/KnmsdHfz2m
— Kobby Founda🇬🇭 (@Founda__) February 28, 2023
Who in his right senses go pick Benzema over Messi? Alaba made the right choice. Free him!!
— RuF🦅🦅 (@Ruf_ayi) February 28, 2023
Alaba voted for the BEST, the GOAT 🐐 and this Madrid dogs are abusing him calling him monkey 🐒 and all that. inhumane souls . stay strong #ALABA pic.twitter.com/fIYJZgiqEs
— S.A® (@kwekubills) February 28, 2023
But what did Alaba do wrong here? I’m not a fan of Messi but there’s no way I will choose Benzema over Messi😂😂
— DEAR GOD🇬🇭❤️ (@mrlamar01) February 28, 2023
It’s now clear that “hate Messi” is always in the contract of Real Madrid players…..We stand with you Alaba
— Essel (@thatEsselguy) February 28, 2023
Other comments insist that Alaba had the chance to vote for his teammate Benzema but chose not to. They say the 30-year-old showed no love.
Alaba voted for Messi instead of his team mate Benzema and you think it’s not a big deal ???
Bro is a snake— KWASI GAZY (@Kwasigazy) February 28, 2023
I am against any kind of abuse & racism David Alaba receiving right now. Those people should be ashamed of themselves.
But I'm disappointed after seeing Alaba's votes. I know it's his opinion but if you're not going to support your own teammate then who will? pic.twitter.com/URJCvO680N
— Sangram (@Sangram2398) February 28, 2023
This snake should be booted out of my Team.. He does not deserve to wear the royal white jersey….#alaba #alaba_out #AlabaOut pic.twitter.com/1GZZmUs4hH
— CollinsNG 🇳🇬 (@collyweezy) February 28, 2023
You always don't see the snakes from behind. Alaba Just proved that. pic.twitter.com/PWFbAeG9iu
— Twilight (@the_marcoli_boy) February 28, 2023
We actually had to make Alaba issue an apology after voting for Messi in the Best awards 🤣🤣🤣 what a shit fanbase
— 🫵🏽 (@idoxvi) February 28, 2023
Maguire is currently better than Alaba . We need a swap deal . This fraud is just a snake . pic.twitter.com/XfwDztgTCm
— GHANA DENVER #RTTJ🦍 (@gh_Denver) February 28, 2023
Lionel Messi took the top spot with 52 points. France striker and PSG forward Kylian Mbappe came in second with 44 points and Karim Benzema was placed third with 34 points.
According to Fifa Alvarez was better than Vinicius last season pic.twitter.com/v9BuW5MgPP
— KALYJAY (@gyaigyimii) February 27, 2023
The ceremony was FIFA’s seventh award in Paris, and Messi made history after receiving his second FIFA Men’s Player 2022 award.
“It’s amazing. It’s an honour for me to be here tonight and win this award,” said the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Without my teammates, I wouldn’t be here. It was an amazing year and I achieved the dream that I’ve been hoping for so long and finally, I managed to achieve it.
“It [the World Cup] is the most wonderful thing that’s happened to me in my career”, Messi said.