Arrascaeta crowned King of America, celebrates award, rivals Messi | OneFootball

King of America is a traditional award that selects the best player playing football in the Americas each year

After a brilliant season, Arrascaeta won the King of America award, granted by the newspaper El País. The Flamengo midfielder was in Punta del Este, Uruguay, to receive the honor as the best player on the continent.

The Flamengo star received the title, surpassing none other than Lionel Messi, currently at Inter Miami (USA). In an interview, the number 10 of the red-and-black team commented on the importance of the award and the experience of competing against an idol like the Argentine.

— I knew I was among the three finalists, but one of them was Messi, and everyone knows he is the best in the world and everything he did this season. I was already happy with what I achieved at Flamengo because it was truly a magical year, revealed the red-and-black idol, before adding:

— This award is a source of pride for me. I knew it had been 10 years since the last time Pato won it, so it is a pleasure for me to receive this award because I know its importance in South America, and it is the result of the team's hard work. So, it's time to celebrate with them and with my family, concluded Arrascaeta.

HOW MANY FLAMENGO PLAYERS HAVE WON THE KING OF AMERICA?

Arrascaeta is the fifth Flamengo player to win the award. Zico (1977, 81, and 82), Bebeto (89), Gabigol (2019), and Pedro (2022) have already put Mengão at the top of the continent. The Uruguayan also has a bronze (2019) and a silver (2022) in his career.

— This award is a source of pride for me. I knew it had been 10 years since the last time Pato won it, so it is a pleasure for me to receive this award because I know its importance in South America, and it is the result of the team's hard work. So, it's time to celebrate with them and with my family, he said.

HOW MANY VOTES DID ARRASCAETA RECEIVE?

Despite the ‘lobby’ for Messi to win the trophy, Arrascaeta's year was unbeatable. As a result, the Flamengo midfielder received 179 votes out of a total of 264. ‘La Pulga’ came in second, with 39. Finally, Adrián ‘Maravilla’ Martínez, Racing's (ARG) striker, completed the podium with 12.

WHAT IS THE KING OF AMERICA AWARD?

The King of America is a traditional award that selects the best player playing football in the Americas each year. However, Messi, who has been named the best in the world eight times, has never won the title, as he spent most of his career in Europe.

The election involves votes from 250 journalists from various countries on the continent. In addition to Arrascaeta, other Flamengo players appeared in the top 10, such as Rossi, Danilo, Pedro, and Bruno Henrique.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.