As reported by Relevo, Lionel Messi has beaten Erling Haaland for The Best FIFA Men’s Award. Messi, as well as the other two finalists Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, were not present at the ceremony in London.
The former Barcelona man wins the award that recognises the ‘most outstanding footballer’ from December 20, 2022 to August 20, 2023.
Despite winning both the UEFA Champions League and Premier League with Manchester City, Haaland was unable to win the award. The Norwegian scored 44 goals in all competitions over the calendar year.
Among the Argentine’s merits, the FIFA website mentions his Ligue 1 title and his role in becoming the top assistor in the division. In the summer, the forward completed his move to MLS side Inter Miami.
His performances at the 2022 World Cup were only considered for the previous year’s award, which was won by Messi after captaining his nation to World Cup glory in Qatar.
Rajan Sangha | GSFN
