Lionel Messi has once again reaffirmed his status as one of football’s all-time greats by winning his third FIFA The Best men’s award. The Argentine superstar outshone fierce competition from Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé to secure the prestigious accolade. Spanning from December 19, 2022, to August 20, 2023, the timeline for this esteemed award encapsulated Messi’s remarkable contributions on the field during this period.
Messi’s recognition came primarily from his outstanding performances at both Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Miami. After guiding PSG to yet another Ligue 1 triumph, Messi set off to conquer new horizons in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami. His impact was immediate and profound, propelling the club to their inaugural Leagues Cup victory. However, despite his heroics, Miami fell short in their quest for the MLS Playoffs.
While Messi’s domestic exploits shone brightly, his prowess on the international stage was equally awe-inspiring. His impeccable leadership led Argentina to top CONMEBOL’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification table after a mere six games. The maestro’s ability to rally his national team and inspire remarkable performances underscored his enduring influence.
The selection process for this illustrious award was meticulous and comprehensive. FIFA collaborated with prominent “football stakeholders” to compile a shortlist of three nominees, ascertained by two panels comprising former players and coaches. Following this rigorous selection phase, the ultimate winner was determined through a combination of votes from journalists, fans, national team captains, and managers.
This latest triumph adds yet another milestone to Messi’s already extraordinary career. This is Messi’s third FIFA The Best title, building upon his victories in 2019 and the previous year. Furthermore, his unrivaled talent has seen him claim a record-breaking eight Ballon d’Or awards. Messi’s relentless pursuit of excellence continues to redefine the very notion of sporting greatness.
The year 2023 was nothing short of a whirlwind for Lionel Messi. In the first half of the year, he secured his second Ligue 1 title, only to face disappointment in the UEFA Champions League. His early exit from the prestigious tournament led to some criticism from fans, who voiced their discontent through boos during his final games. Nonetheless, Messi’s fortunes turned drastically following his move to Inter Miami in July. The Argentine mastermind orchestrated a series of individual heroics that propelled the franchise to Leagues Cup glory.
Erling Haaland, a formidable force in his own right, posed a formidable challenge for Messi. Haaland’s transition to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund had been nothing short of sensational, helping the club secure a historic treble in his debut season. His astonishing goal-scoring record, with an astounding 52 goals in 53 matches across all competitions, solidified his reputation as one of the hottest talents in world football. Similarly, Kylian Mbappé, a teammate of Messi’s at PSG, showcased remarkable skill and goal-scoring prowess, leading Ligue 1’s goal-scoring charts.
As Messi takes home his third FIFA The Best men’s award, a new era of sporting excellence dawns upon the footballing world. With boundless skill, unwavering determination, and a relentless pursuit of greatness, Messi etches his name further into the annals of sporting history. His legacy continues to inspire and captivate, prompting both admiration and awe in equal measure. Lionel Messi, the epitome of footballing brilliance, serves as a testament to the unfathomable heights that can be achieved through unwavering dedication and an undying love for the beautiful game.