Here’s why Real Madrid star David Alaba chose Lionel Messi over Karim Benzema in 2023 FIFA The Best awards

David Alaba was brutally trolled by Real Madrid fans after his vote to Lionel Messi.

Here’s why Real Madrid star David Alaba chose Lionel Messi over Karim Benzema in 2023 FIFA The Best awards

David Alaba gave the explanation for his vote to Lionel Messi instead of Karim Benzema after online abuse. Image via Twitter.

David Alaba, who is the captain of the Austrian football team was one of the few Real Madrid players who got the chance to vote in the FIFA Best Player 2022 Award. However, things did not go well for the Real Madrid full-back after he voted for Lionel Messi ahead of his teammate Karim Benzema. Shortly after the votes were made public, fans attacked Alaba for ‘betraying’ his teammate. David Alaba issues a formal statement shortly after he was abused, claiming that the votes are decided by the Austrian team, and that the council decided on choosing Lionel Messi.

Real Madrid fans were not happy with Alaba, as they started tweeting #alabaout on Twitter, criticizing the Austrian. “As for the FIFA The Best Award: The Austrian team votes for this award as a team, not just me. Everyone on the team council can vote and that’s how it’s decided,” David Alaba explained the reason behind the vote to Lionel Messi.

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He also praised his teammate Karim Benzema, “Everyone knows, especially Karim, how much I admire him and his performances. And I have said many times that for me he is the best striker in the world, and he continues to be so. Without a doubt”. David Alaba’s explanation calmed the storm of angry fans, who were throwing abuses at the Real Madrid player.

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Lionel Messi’s heartfelt speech after winning FIFA The Best Player of 2022 award

Lionel Messi showed his gratitude to Argentina after winning the FIFA Best Player Award. Image via Twitter.

The 35 year old Argentine finally fulfilled his lifelong dream of lifting the World Cup with Argentina back in 2022. To sum up his glorious campaign, he received the prestigious FIFA Men’s Best Player of the Year, beating teammate Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid’s forward Karim Benzema. Lionel Messi won the award for the first time since 2019.

Lionel Messi showed his gratitude towards Argentina, as his acceptance speech focused on his teammates, coaches and staff with Argentina, including head coach Lionel Scaloni, who received FIFA Men’s Best Coach of the year. “This is an honor for me. I want to thank my colleagues, including my manager Scaloni, and we’re here representing them all (the Argentina team), as we would not be here without them. It recognizes the role they played in what we achieved.”

He continued, “It’s been a baffling year for me. I have achieved my dream, after so much fighting, and so much determination to win it. Winning the World Cup is the most beautiful thing that has happened in my career. It’s a dream for many, but few can win it. I want to thank my family, the people of Argentina, as it will remain in our memories forever.” He ended the speech by sharing a sweet message for his children. “I want to send a kiss to my children, who are watching this, Thiago Mateo and Ciro, I love you…… now go to bed!”

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