Di Maria beats Messi to coveted award

Angel Di Maria has beaten off competition from Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero to win Argentina's foreign-based Player of the Year award.

The Manchester United forward, 26, was part of the Argentina squad that reached the World Cup final in the summer, while he played a key role in helping former club Real Madrid finally claim La Decima - their 10th European Cup - last season.

Di Maria, who also picked up Copa del Rey and UEFA Super Cup winners' medals with Madrid in 2014, became the most expensive signing in British history when moving to United for an initial £59.7 million in August.

Di Maria has scored three goals in 11 appearances since joining United, although he has been ruled out of the club's last three games through injury.

It is the first time that Messi has failed to win the prized Olimpia de Plata award since 2006, despite the Barcelona star scoring 56 goals for club and country in 2014 and taking home the World Cup's Golden Ball - an award for the tournament's best player.

Sergio Aguero has also enjoyed an impressive year, having helped Manchester City to the Premier League title last season, while he is the division's current top scorer with 14 goals this term.

Meanwhile, Lucas Pratto of Velez Sarsfield won the award for the best player in Argentina's top flight.