Messi beats Haaland to 2023 FIFA Men’s Player of the Year award

At a well attended ceremony in London, iconic Argentine forward and Inter Miami star, Lionel Msessi was crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player for the year 2023.

This prestigious award marks Messi’s third win, making him the first footballer to achieve this remarkable feat.

The 36-year-old edged out tough competition from fellow finalists Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

Having previously claimed The Best FIFA Men’s Player accolade in 2019 and 2022, Messi’s latest triumph cements his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Notably, he surpasses the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski, both of whom have won the award twice.

Despite his absence from the award ceremony, as Messi was with his Inter Miami teammates preparing for a pre-season friendly against El Salvador, the football world celebrated his remarkable achievement.

The Best FIFA Football Awards, distinct from the Ballon d’Or, assesses players based on performances throughout a calendar year.

For the 2023 edition, FIFA considered achievements from December 19, 2022, to August 20, 2023, reason Erling Haaland will feel hard done after winning a treble with Manachester City ln the year under review.

The recognition didn’t stop with Messi; other recipients of The Best FIFA Awards included Aitana Bonmatí, who claimed The Best FIFA Women’s Player Award. Pep Guardiola was named The Best FIFA Men’s Coach, Sarina Wiegman secured the FIFA Women’s Coach Award, Ederson won the Best Men’s Goalkeeper award, and Mary Earps was honored as the Best Women’s Goalkeeper.

Brazil Senior Men’s National Team Players were presented with the FIFA Fair Play Award, and the FIFA Fan Award went to the passionate supporters of Club Atletico Colon.