Lionel Messi has reaffirmed his status as football’s preeminent talent by clinching the Best FIFA Men’s Player award for the second consecutive year in 2023. The announcement at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in London saw Messi prevail in a closely-fought battle against finalists Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. The Argentine maestro’s remarkable achievements during the qualification period, including leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup victory and contributing to PSG’s Ligue 1 triumph, earned him this prestigious accolade.
Messi’s illustrious career, marked by numerous domestic, international, and individual honors, has seen him claim The Best FIFA Men’s Player award on eight occasions now. The 36-year-old, having left PSG for Inter Miami in 2023, made an immediate impact in his debut for the MLS outfit. A crucial free-kick in added time secured a 2-1 victory against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, showcasing Messi’s enduring brilliance.
The football icon’s stellar performances extended beyond the club scene, with Messi leading Argentina in their FIFA World Cup 26 qualification campaign. Earlier in the year, he marked a historic milestone by scoring his 100th international goal during a friendly against Curacao, joining an elite group of male players to achieve this feat. As Messi continues to redefine the boundaries of excellence, his influence on the beautiful game remains unparalleled.
