Messi named best player and best LFP striker

MADRID - The Spanish Football League (LFP) announced its awards for the 2012-2013 season in a gala event late on Monday night.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi kicks the ball to score his second goal against AC Milan during their Champions League soccer match at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona November 6, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

The annual LFP gala was attended by a host of personalities from the Spanish game with an ample representation of players from the clubs in the BBVA Primera Liga and the Liga Adelante (second division).

Real Madrid striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, who earlier in the day had been given the Alfredo Di Stefano Award by the readers of pro-Real Madrid newspaper, Diario Marca, won the award as the MVP of the 2012-13 season, which is slightly surprising, given that Leo Messi scored more goals and gave more assists, as well as helping FC Barcelona to the BBVA Primera Liga title.

Messi's consolation was to be named as the Best Player and also the Best Striker in the Liga BBVA thanks to the votes of his fellow professionals. Speaking from Argentina, where he is recovering from his muscle injury, Messi thanked his team-mates, saying his success would not have been possible without them.

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois was named Best Goalkeeper, while Sergio Ramos, who has been criticized in recent days after being sent off for the 17th time while at Real Madrid, was named as the Best Defender.

Asier Illarramendi, who joined Real Madrid from Real Sociedad over the summer, was considered the Best Central Midfielder and the Revelation of the Season, while Barca's Andres Iniesta was considered the Best Attacking Midfielder.

Atletico Madrid's exceptional season was rewarded by the naming of Diego Pablo Simeone as the Best Coach after he led his club to triumph in the Copa del Rey knockout competition.

Iker Casillas, who spend half of the season on the Real Madrid bench after injuring his hand and falling out with former coach, Jose Mourinho, was given the individual Fair Play award, while the Fair Play award for clubs went to Athletic Club Bilbao.

Villarreal, who won promotion back to the Spanish top flight last campaign won the Fair Play award for the second division, with Bruno Soriano taking the Best Midfielder Award.

Barcelona B striker Gerard Deulofeu, who is currently on loan at Everton in England, was given the Best Player prize, while Elche coach, Fran Escriba was named Best Coach after overseeing his side's return to the BBVA Primera Liga.