Lionel Messi beats Erling Haaland to Best FIFA men’s award

Lionel Messi has won the Best FIFA Men’s award for his consistent performances in 2023. Messi defeated players like Erling Haaland and his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe. The Argentine had already bagged his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023 and continues his award-winning streak.

Meanwhile, Messi scored 19 goals in 29 matches from 19 December to 20 August 2023 and also provided seven assists. Furthermore, La Pulga scored 16 goals and as many assists for PSG in the 2022-23 season for PSG in 32 matches of Ligue 1.

Haaland played an instrumental role in taking Manchester City to glory in the Premier League as the youngster scored 36 goals in 35 Premier League matches. Furthermore, the 23-year-old provided eight assists in the previous season.

The Norwegian star also scored 12 goals in 11 matches of the UEFA Champions League and played a key role in taking Sky Blues to their maiden UCL title.

On the other hand, Kylian Mbappe scored 29 goals and provided five assists in 34 Ligue 1 matches for PSG Saint-Germain and played a key role in taking the Parisians to glory. The Frenchman also played a huge role in helping France qualify for the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Messi won two titles in the aforementioned period, Haaland won four whereas Mbappe won one. The Argentine was not in attendance to collect the award in London.

Full list of men’s awards

Puskás Award: Guilherme Madruga (Botafogo-SP)

FIFA Fair Play Award: Brazil senior men’s players

FIFA Fan Award: Hugo Miguel Iñiguez

Men’s Coach of the Year: Pep Guardiola

Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Éderson (Man City)

Men’s World XI:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

Defence: John Stones (Man City), Kyle Walker (Man City), Rúben Dias (Man City)

Midfield: Bernardo Silva (Man City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)

Forwards: Erling Haaland (Man City), Kylian Mbappé (PSG), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)