Puskas Award handed to Brazilian Wendell Lira for brilliant team goal
12.01.2016 23:30
Ballon d'Or 2015 winner Lionel Messi did not pick up another major individual prize in Switzerland on Monday, as Wendell Lira won the Puskas Award.
Messi's Copa del Rey final goal for Barcelona against Athletic Bilbao at the Nou Camp failed to be adjudged the Goal of the Year.
Argentine superstar Messi and Roma's Alessandro Florenzi were beaten to the prize by 27-year-old Brazilian Lira at the Kongresshaus, Zurich ceremony hosted by Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt and Sky Sports News presenter Kate Abdo.
Lira, who now plays for Vila Nova, netted a superb bicycle kick for Goianesia away at Atletico Goianiense on March 11 last year to round off a terrific team goal.
'It is an honour to be here to get to know famous players I've only seen on the screen before,' Lira said in accepting the award. 'I thank my family and all those who voted for me. I should like to thank my wife and my daughter.'
Lira received 46.7 per cent of the vote, well ahead of Messi's 33.3 per cent and Florenzi's 7.1 per cent. The result was determined by a public vote through FIFA's website, and you can watch all three of the top three goals below.
(dailymail.co.uk)
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