Lionel Messi awarded as both best player and top scorer in La Liga

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Barcelona star striker Lionel Messi received the Alfredo Di Stefano award from Spanish sports newspaper Marca on Monday.

The Argentine was given a fifth career Alfredo Di Stefano Award - the award for best player - after scoring 37 goals and providing nine assists during the 2016-17 La Liga season.

He also took home the Pichichi award for finishing as top scorer in La Liga. The Pichichi trophy, named after the Athletic Bilbao striker Rafael 'Pichichi' Moreno Aranzadi, is awarded by Marca to the top goalscorer of each La Liga season.

Andres Iniesta holds his awards. /VCG Photo

The Argentine, who currently leads La Liga with 14 goals, said he was looking forward to the El Classico against arch rival Real Madrid on December 23.

Messi's teammate Andres Iniesta was awarded as the MVP of Spain's National Team.

Barcelona will be looking to increase their 11 point lead on fourth-placed Madrid, who still have a game in hand.

FIFA warned the Spanish Federation that interference from government in the Spanish Federation's decision over a new president would see them lose their World Cup place.

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