Messi wins FIFA The Best Men’s Player of the Year

Lionel Messi has secured The Best FIFA Men’s Player title for 2023, surpassing contenders Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland to claim the accolade.

This marked Messi’s third FIFA award, a surprising victory for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, amidst a triumphant evening for Manchester City. The award period encompassed Messi’s achievements from leading Argentina to World Cup victory in December 2022 through August 2023.

Despite a subdued finale at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi, now 36, clinched the title with his new team, Inter Miami, in the MLS, contributing to their Leagues Cup victory in August.

Although Haaland was a favorite, having scored 52 goals during his debut season with Manchester City in a treble-winning campaign, Messi secured the win due to more first-choice nominations, following a tied scoring system based on votes from national team captains, coaches, journalists, and fans. Kylian Mbappe, Messi’s former club teammate, secured the third spot.

Bonmati’s recognition as the best women’s player faced less controversy, having earned personal awards for her role in Spain’s World Cup win and Barcelona’s Champions League victory in 2023. The 25-year-old also clinched the Ballon d’Or, Golden Ball for the World Cup’s best player, and UEFA’s player of the year.

Pep Guardiola earned the title of the best coach for orchestrating Manchester City’s inaugural Champions League triumph. Haaland was accompanied by five teammates in the Team of the Year, including Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne.

Ederson from Manchester City secured the men’s goalkeeper of the year, while England and Manchester United’s Mary Earps claimed the women’s award. England national team boss Sarina Wiegman won the women’s coach of the year.

The Brazilian men’s team received the fair play award for donning all-black shirts in solidarity with Vinicius, who faced racial abuse while playing for Real Madrid. The Puskas award for best goal went to Botafogo’s Guilherme Madruga for stunning overhead kick.