FIFA Best Awards: Real Madrid Fans Slam David Alaba for Voting Messi Ahead of Benzema

• David Alaba has courted acrimony among the fans of Real Madrid
• They were furious that he chose Lionel Messi over Karim Benzema
• Messi won the 2022 FIFA The Best Men's Player of the Year award

Angry Real Madrid fans have singled out David Alaba for criticism following his decision to vote for Lionel Messi ahead of Karim Benzema at the recently held FIFA The Best Awards.

Alaba was the only Los Blancos player to vote for the Argentine, who won the coveted prize for a record-extending seventh time at the 2022 awards held in Paris, France.

His decision did not sit down well with a cross-section of Madrid fans, receiving a truckload of backlash including racist abuse, per SportBIBLE.

Lionel Messi beats Mbappe and Benzema to win 2022 FIFA Best Player award

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The Real Madrid defender, who doubles as the captain of Austria, voted for Messi in first, Benzema in second position, and Kylian Mbappe in third.

Fans react to Alaba's votes?

@l20ki wrote:

"If you don't like Karim, get out of the team. You don't offer us anything."

@ramondafutbol simply said:

"Alaba out."

@malk.sahly also wrote:

"#alabaout."

@cristia6295 added:

"Remember that messi kicked penalties, and benzema made you win club world champion league and more."

How did Alaba react?

On Tuesday morning, Alaba released a statement regarding his vote in the awards.

"Regarding FIFA The Best Award: The Austrian national team vote 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 doubt."

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Benzema slams FIFA Best awards

Real Madrid forward, Benzema described FIFA as liars after Messi was named the 2022 best player at The Best Awards in Paris, France.

Argentina's captain beat Benzema and French teammate, Mbappe to win the award as the world's best player award for the second time.

Benzema feels the accolade was given to the wrong person after his campaign with Real Madrid in 2022, including multiple titles.

Messi crowned world's best player

Sports Brief also reported on Messi being crowned best player at the 2022 FIFA The Awards held in Paris, France, on February 27.

The legendary Argentina forward beat PSG teammate, Mbappe and Real Madrid star, Benzema to win the top award again.

Messi led his country to the World Cup title in Qatar, netting in all knockout games and scoring a brace in the final.