Wendell Lira beats Lionel Messi to Puskas Award
Monday 11 January 2016 21:48, UK
Lionel Messi picked up the top prize at the 2015 Ballon d'Or gala on Monday night, but he was beaten to the Puskas Award for best goal by Wendell Lira.
The 27-year-old Brazilian scored a superb bicycle kick for Brazilian side Goianesia against Atletico Goianiense to complete a stunning team move.
He received 46.7% of the vote, which was determined by a public ballot on FIFA's official website, while Messi got 33.3% and Roma's Alessandro Florenzi was third with 7.1%.
"It is an honour to be here to get to know famous players I've only seen on the screen before," Lira said in his acceptance speech.
"I thank my family and all those who voted for me. I should like to thank my wife and my daughter."
Messi's goal came in the Copa del Rey final in May as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao, while Florenzi scored his against Barcelona in the Champions League in September.
