Lionel Messi once again proved his dominance in the world of football by clinching his third FIFA The Best men’s award. The timeline for the award spanned from Dec. 19, 2022, to Aug. 20, 2023, during which Messi shone both at PSG and Inter Miami. His key contributions helped PSG secure another Ligue 1 title before he made a move to MLS powerhouse, Inter Miami, leading them to their inaugural trophy, the Leagues Cup.
Surprisingly, Messi was not present in London to collect the prestigious award. The nominees for the award were handpicked in collaboration with FIFA’s “football stakeholders,” and the ultimate winner was chosen through a voting process involving journalists, fans, national team captains, and managers. This marks Messi’s third FIFA The Best title, adding to his decorated list of accolades that includes a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
The year 2023 was a rollercoaster ride for Messi. Despite securing another Ligue 1 title with PSG in the first half of the year, he faced criticism from fans after his team’s early exit from the Champions League. However, his career reached new heights when he joined Miami in July, guiding them to victory in the Leagues Cup with his exceptional performances. Despite missing out on the MLS Playoffs, Messi’s impact was undeniable.
Competitors in the Race
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé were worthy competitors for the award. Haaland’s impressive goal-scoring record, including 52 goals in 53 matches in his debut season at City, made him a strong contender. Mbappé, on the other hand, continued to shine at PSG, leading the Ligue 1 goal-scoring charts.
Lionel Messi’s standout performances throughout the year, both at PSG and Inter Miami, solidified his claim to the FIFA The Best men’s award for the third time. Despite facing challenges and criticism, Messi’s undeniable talent and impact on the field set him apart from his competitors, making him a deserving winner of the prestigious accolade. His legacy in the world of football continues to grow, cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
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