Lionel Messi was honored with his third FIFA The Best Men’s award, outshining competitors Erling Haaland from Manchester City and Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain.
This award period spanned from December 19, 2022, just after Messi’s pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup victory in Qatar, to August 20, 2023.
Messi’s exceptional performance primarily at PSG and later at Inter Miami played a significant role in his win.
He contributed significantly to PSG’s Ligue 1 championship victory before his transfer to MLS in July, where he led Miami to their first-ever Leagues Cup triumph.
On the international stage, Messi was instrumental in Argentina’s leading position in the CONMEBOL standings for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification after six matches.
Messi, however, was absent from the London ceremony where the award was presented. FIFA, in partnership with its football affiliates, compiled the list of nominees, which included insights from panels of former players and coaches.
The final decision on the award winner was made through votes by journalists, fans, national team captains, and managers.
This award marks Messi’s third FIFA The Best title, following his first in 2019 and another last year, adding to his record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
His year was marked by highs and lows, including a second Ligue 1 title win amidst boos from fans after PSG’s consecutive Champions League round-of-16 exits.
The season’s peak was his remarkable performance with Miami, leading them to the Leagues Cup victory, though the team didn’t qualify for the MLS Playoffs.
Erling Haaland, another contender, had a remarkable debut season with Manchester City after joining Borussia Dortmund in June 2022.
He helped City achieve a historic treble, scoring a staggering 52 goals in all competitions, which included a record-breaking 36 goals in the Premier League.
