David Alaba has released a statement to explain why he voted for Lionel Messi over Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema in the FIFA Best awards.
The Austria international captain received disgusting racist abuse on his social media channels after it came to light that he had supposedly chosen Messi as his first choice for the 2022 accolade, ahead of Benzema.
But the former Bayern Munich star has now bravely responded to the abuse, explaining that his vote was not his personal choice but rather the collective decision of the entire Austrian national team. Alaba said in a statement on his social media channels on Tuesday morning: "Regarding FIFA The Best Award: The Austrian national team voted 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, and I have often said that for me he is the best striker in the world, and that is still the case. Without a doubt."
Shortly after the ceremony, the hashtag #AlabaOut started trending on social media on Monday night, alongside disgusting racist abuse – including multiple monkey emojis – under his posts on Twitter and Instagram.
Have Your Say! Was Lionel Messi a deserving winner of the award? Tell us what you think here.
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Messi was named the best player in the world during a glittering ceremony in France on Monday evening as he pipped club teammate Kylian Mbappe to the top prize.
Messi won the prize with 52 points next to Mbappe's 44, with Benzema completing the podium but further back with 34. A breakdown of every captain who voted on behalf of their nations in the awards has emerged since Messi was recognised as the top men's player in world football.
Messi's success was propelled by his World Cup win with Argentina but Benzema enjoyed a sensational 2022, in which he won the Ballon d'Or, as he spearheaded Real Madrid's incredible success in both La Liga and the Champions League.
