Lionel Messi was named ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player in La Liga's 2012-13 season at the annual LFP awards, but the Real Madrid forward was voted the most valuable player of the campaign.
The Barcelona attacker won the award for the fifth successive year and also took home the prize for top forward, while team-mate Andres Iniesta was voted as the greatest attacking midfielder in the division for the fourth time in five seasons.
Confusingly, though Ballon d'Or favourite Ronaldo missed out on the best player tag, he was given the MVP trophy at the fifth edition of the awards, which are held by the Primera Division's governing body.
"It is an honour and a privilege to receive this award," the 28-year-old said upon receiving the award. "I have to thank my team-mates and Madrid and all the people behind this award such as my family. I will try to keep fit to win more prizes at a collective and individual level."
Fellow Madrid player Asier Illarramendi won two titles on Monday: best midfielder and the breakthrough player of last season, which came ahead of his switch to the Santiago Bernabeu from Real Sociedad in the summer.
Best defender also went to a Madrid player, as Sergio Ramos took home the accolade for the second campaign in a row.
Diego Simeone trumped Tito Vilanova and Jose Mourinho - neither of which are still in their positions at Barca and the Blancos respectively - to the best coach award for guiding Atletico Madrid to Copa del Rey glory and a third-placed finish.
Rojiblancos goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, spending his third season on loan at the Vicente Calderon, won the prize for the top player between the sticks, while benched Real Madrid shot-stopper Iker Casillas took home the fair play prize.
Courtesy: Miles Chambers
Source: http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/138/spain/2013/12/03/4450785/messi-ronaldo-share-spoils-in-la-liga-awards
