(Nyon) Lionel Messi is one of the three finalists announced on Thursday for the award given to the most valuable player of the last season in Europe.
Messi recently left Europe to join the ranks of Inter Miami, in MLS. The Argentine is pitted against Manchester City teammates Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland. Messi has won the UEFA Best Player award twice in 12 years, each time when FC Barcelona won the continental title. Man City have won the Champions League this season.
Pep Guardiola is the favorite for the Men’s Coach of the Year award, having guided Man City to Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup titles. The other finalists are Simone Inzaghi, who led Inter Milan to the Champions League final, and Luciano Spalletti, who helped SSC Napoli win the Italian league.
The winners will be announced on August 31 in Monaco, during the Champions League draw.
The finalists for the women’s honors will be announced next week.
