In a dazzling ceremony held in London on Monday night, Lionel Messi secured The Best FIFA Men’s Player of the Year award, marking his third triumph in this prestigious category.
The 36-year-old Argentine, who claimed the same accolade in 2019 and 2022, becomes the first player to achieve this milestone.
Messi’s remarkable individual performance and his pivotal role in securing Argentina’s victory in the 2022 World Cup contributed significantly to his latest recognition.
Despite his absence at the awards ceremony due to commitments with his club, Inter Miami, Messi’s exceptional achievements were celebrated on the global stage.
Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, two other outstanding football talents, were the other finalists for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award.
Messi’s absence did not dampen the excitement as fans and football enthusiasts witnessed the continuation of his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
In addition to Messi’s triumph, Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind Manchester City’s treble, claimed The Best FIFA Men’s Coach of the Year.
Six players from Manchester City were also named in the Best FIFA Men’s World 11.
The full list of major winners includes:
- The Best FIFA Men’s Player: Lionel Messi
- The Best FIFA Women’s Player: Aitana Bonmati
- The Best FIFA Men’s Coach: Pep Guardiola
- The Best FIFA Women’s Coach: Sarina Wiegman
- The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper: Ederson
- The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper: Mary Earps
- FIFA Fair Play Award: Brazil Men’s National Team
- FIFA Puskas Award: Guilherme Madruga
- FIFA Fan Award: Hugo Daniel “Toto” Iniguez
- FIFA Special Award: Marta
Moreover, the FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World 11 featured Thibaut Courtois, Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Vinicius Junior, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland. The FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 comprised Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Olga Carmona, Alex Greenwood, Aitana Bonmati, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Lauren James, Sam Kerr, Alex Morgan, and Alessia Russo.
