Inter Miami and Argentine star Lionel Messi has been named the best men’s soccer player in the world for the second consecutive year, clinching the Men’s Player of the Year award at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony held in London on Monday. This achievement adds to Messi’s remarkable run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The renowned player surpassed competition from his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City standout Erling Haaland to secure the award. All three were also contenders for the Ballon d’Or, with Messi winning the prestigious title for the eighth time in October.
Despite not attending the ceremony in London, Messi remained with Inter Miami to prepare for the club’s upcoming worldwide preseason tour, commencing in El Salvador on Friday. Lionel Messi, entering his first full year with Inter Miami in the 2024 MLS season, continues to be a key figure in global soccer.
Messi’s latest triumph marks his third win of the award (2019, 2022, and 2023) since its establishment in 2016. Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the award in 2016 and 2017, Luka Modric in 2018, and Robert Lewandowski in 2020 and 2021. FIFA’s evaluation for the award considered performances from Dec. 19, 2022, to Aug. 20, 2023.
While the World Cup concluded on Dec. 18, Messi’s enduring impact since securing the elusive championship likely influenced the voters. His instrumental role in helping Argentina clinch the World Cup for the first time since 1986 and redeeming the loss in the 2014 final to Germany left a lasting impression.
Messi received the Golden Ball at the World Cup, awarded to the tournament’s best player, becoming the only player to win the accolade twice in tournament history. Scoring seven goals, just one shy of Mbappe, the Golden Boot winner, Messi played a crucial role in Argentina’s victory over France in the final, with two goals and another in the penalty shootout.
In a historic feat, Messi became the first player in World Cup history to score in the group stage, Round of 16, quarterfinal, semifinal, and the final at a single tournament. Following his World Cup exploits, Messi continued to shine, contributing 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG. Additionally, he scored 11 goals in 14 games, playing a pivotal role in Inter Miami’s triumph in the Leagues Cup last summer.
Lionel Messi’s stellar performances across competitions, including the World Cup and domestic leagues, have solidified his status as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. As he embarks on another season with Inter Miami, fans and soccer enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing further magic from the legendary Argentine.