Lionel Messi, the Argentine hero, continues to showcase his brilliance in 2024 after triumphing in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Leading his country to a third world title, he secured the highly coveted World Cup trophy—the only significant accolade previously absent from his illustrious and decorated career.
Following his record eighth Ballon d’Or accolade in October 2023, the Inter Miami captain began the new year by securing the ‘FIFA Best Men’s Player 2023’ award. He surpassed Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, who were among the top three nominees on the list, drawing praise from legends and fellow star players.
Football icons praise Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi won his second successive FIFA World Best Player title, being announced as the winner ahead of Manchester City’s Golden Boot-winning striker Erling Haaland. Although both Messi and Haaland received an equal number of points, the 36-year-old was honored on the basis of captain’s votes, marking his third since the rebranding of the FIFA Player of the Year as The FIFA Best.
Lionel Messi became the first MLS player to lift the FIFA Best Award and the Ballon d’Or. His brilliance gained acknowledgment and showered praise from esteemed guests, including iconic figures like Ronaldo and Arsène Wenger. Alongside them, Pep Guardiola was honored as FIFA The Best Men’s Coach for 2023.
On this special occasion, Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario was asked to describe the Argentine magician in one word.
“Greatest” was O Fenômeno’s response.
Arsene Wenger’s response was “Genius,” while Pep Guardiola called the Argentine great “the best ever.”
The FIFA Best Award ceremony occurred in London on Monday, January 15. However, on this star-studded evening, Lionel Messi didn’t attend the event alongside his fellow finalists. He was engaged in pre-season training for the upcoming friendly fixture of Inter Miami against the El Salvador national team on Friday.
According to FIFA rules of allocation, players and coaches each have three nominations. The first choice earns five points, the second receives 3 points, and the last garners a single point. In Messi’s case, despite an equal vote count with Haaland, he won because he had more first-choice nominations from captains.
Lionel Messi 2023 season recap
Lionel Messi enjoyed a year of remarkable individual success in 2023 with notable achievements such as the Ballon d’Or, Times Athlete of the Year, and Inter Miami MVP Player of the Year. His departure from Europe in the summer created a sensation globally as he joined Inter Miami, adding to his European pedigree.
Before moving to MLS, Lionel Messi led Paris Saint-Germain to consecutive League and Super Cup victories in 2023. Continuing this trend in Miami, he secured the Leagues Cup triumph in August, marking the first trophy in the club’s history. Additionally, he led Argentina to the top spot in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier table.
