The Argentine pipped his Real Madrid rival to two major accolades at a ceremony to celebrate last season’s achievements in the Spanish top flight. Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been named La Liga’s best player of 2014-15 at the annual award ceremony on Monday.
The 28-year-old, who was named Goal 50 winner last week, saw off competition from Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo to be crowned the best overall player in addition to the top forward in Spain.
Atletico Madrid’s star player Antoine Griezmann and Barcelona veteran Andres Iniesta were pipped to the best midfielder award by James Rodriguez after he starred for Madrid following his 2014 move from Monaco.
The Colombian’s Santiago Bernabeu team-mate, Sergio Ramos, beat Gerard Pique and Nicolas Otamendi to the award of the Spanish top flight’s best defender last season.
Luis Enrique’s achievements in guiding Barca to Liga success in his debut season earned him the accolade of best coach while his No.1 in La Liga, Claudio Bravo, was named best goalkeeper of 2014-15.
Without Messi for competition, Neymar was crowned the best South American player in La Liga last season ahead of Luis Suarez and James Rodriguez. Valencia midfielder Sofiane Feghouli was crowned the best African player in the division.
Despite being overlooked as best player and best forward, Ronaldo did at least win the fans’ player of the year award – voted for on social media prior to the ceremony which the former Manchester United man did not attend.
Best Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo (Barcelona)
Best Defender: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Best Midfielder: James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
Best Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Best Coach: Luis Enrique (Barcelona)
Best African: Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia)
Best South American: Neymar (Barcelona)
Fans’ Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Best Player: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
