The Portuguese coach voted for Messi over his countryman Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazilian star Neymar.

Iran captain Andranik Teymourian also voted for Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar respectively.

Messi, 28, had finished behind longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo in both 2013 and 2014 but was a clear winner of FIFA's top individual honor for a record fifth time in his career.