In a triumphant victory, Lionel Messi secured the Best FIFA Men’s Award, prevailing over the formidable Erling Haaland. The accolade recognizes Messi’s exceptional contributions to PSG and Inter Miami, coupled with his pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph.
Lionel Messi clinched his third FIFA The Best men’s award on Monday, triumphing over contenders Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. The timeline for the accolade spanned from Dec. 19, 2022, after Messi led Argentina to World Cup victory, to Aug. 20, 2023.
Messi’s stellar contributions to PSG and Inter Miami, securing a Ligue 1 title with the former and guiding the latter to their inaugural Leagues Cup triumph, earned him the prestigious award.
Internationally, he propelled Argentina to lead CONMEBOL’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification table.
Despite his absence in London to collect the award, Messi’s impactful 2023 included a French top-flight win with PSG and a Leagues Cup victory with Miami.
Haaland, who notched a historic treble with Manchester City in his debut season, and Mbappé, leading Ligue 1’s goal-scoring charts, were formidable contenders.
The selection process involved football stakeholders compiling the nominees, shortlisted by former players and coaches.
The final decision rested with votes from journalists, fans, national team captains, and managers. This marks Messi’s third FIFA The Best title, complementing his record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Other notable men’s awards include the Puskás Award for Guilherme Madruga, FIFA Fair Play Award for Brazil’s senior men’s players, and Men’s Coach of the Year going to Pep Guardiola. Ederson received the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, and the Men’s World XI featured prominent names like Thibaut Courtois, John Stones, and Kevin De Bruyne.
Follow us @Sportscliffs on Twitter and Instagram and also like our facebook page
