Lionel Messi has done it again. The Argentine wizard has won the 2023 edition of the prestigious Best FIFA Men’s Player award, making it back-to-back wins after also claiming the 2022 award. He also becomes the outright leader for most Best FIFA Men’s Player of the Year awards with three, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski with two apiece.
Messi’s brilliance is undeniable, he has won everything there is to win in the game, both at club and international level. He has won eight Ballons d’Or, the most by any player ever. He has led Argentina to their first World Cup title in 2022, scoring the winning goal in the final against Brazil.
Messi’s achievements in 2023 are remarkable. He helped Paris Saint-Germain win their second consecutive Ligue 1 title, recording more assists than any other player in the league. He then moved to Inter Miami in July, where he helped the MLS club win their first trophy, the Leagues Cup, scoring in the final. Also scored his 100th goal for Argentina in March, becoming only the third male player to reach the milestone after Iran’s Ali Daei and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi faced stiff competition for the award from Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, two of the most exciting young talents in the game. Mbappe was instrumental in France’s run to the Euro 2023 final, where they lost to Italy on penalties. Haaland was a goal-scoring machine for Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City, breaking records left and right. But Messi edged them out in a close vote, which was decided by national team coaches and captains, journalists and fans.
Messi is now 36 years old, but he shows no signs of slowing down. He still has the hunger and the passion to keep playing at the highest level. Also has the skill and the vision to make a difference on the pitch. He still has the charisma and the humility to inspire and influence others and still has the love and the respect of the football community.
Messi is the best of the best. He is the greatest of all time. He is the king of football.
