LIONEL Messi has surprisingly been voted as the winner of the Best FIFA Men’s Player of the Year award, clinching the prize ahead of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
The award ceremony was held in London tonight, just three months after the Qatar 2022 World Cup-winning Argentina captain also edged out Haaland and Mbappe to win a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or.
Messi, 36, won through the votes of captains and coaches of national teams despite leaving Paris Saint-Germain in July for Inter Miami in the emerging Major League Soccer in the United States of America.
Messi stood out in December 2022 to guide Argentina to their first World Cup title since 1986 but had a largely unremarkable 2023.
Tonight’s award marks two successive years of being named FIFA’s Best men’s player for Messi, after previously winning in 2022 and prior to that in 2019.
Messi was not in attendance to pick up his eighth Best award as he stayed in America and failed to send any video recorded message after being named winner.
It was instead decided he would stay in Miami for training rather than take days out to attend the awards ceremony in London’s capital. Thierry Henry, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, hilariously collected the honour in the Argentinian’s absence.
The award recognising the best players in the footballing world was introduced eight years ago after FIFA split it from the Ballon d’Or.
Haaland came second after the Norway striker starred for Manchester City, scoring 52 goals in all competitions last season as they swept the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League Treble.
In other categories of the Best FIFA Awards tonight, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was named Men’s Coach of the Year, and Sarina Wiegman of England the Women’s Coach of the Year, while Spain and Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati won the Women’s Player of the Year prize.
England and Manchester United shot stopper Mary Earps claimed the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, with Brazil and Manchester City’s Ederson winning the men’s version.
