Lionel Messi has won the Best FIFA Men’s Player of the Year award, beating out Erling Haaland.

The Best FIFA Awards 2023 was truly a captivating event, as Lionel Messi clinched the men’s player of the year title after a thrilling voting tie-break against Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. The tension rose as the two exceptional players were tied on points, with the final decision relying on the votes of national team captains. In a compelling twist, all four home nation skippers – Harry Kane (England), Andy Robertson (Scotland), Aaron Ramsey (Wales), and Jonny Evans (Northern Ireland) – cast their votes in favor of Messi, securing his well-deserved victory.

This year’s award specifically recognized the most outstanding performer between December 19, 2022, and August 20, 2023. Notably, performance at the 2022 World Cup was solely considered for the previous year’s award, which Lionel Messi claimed after leading Argentina to triumph in Qatar. The 36-year-old maestro achieved remarkable feats, including clinching the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 before making a significant move to Major League Soccer team Inter Miami. There, he contributed significantly to their victory in the 2023 Leagues Cup, a prestigious competition between MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX sides, showcasing his unwavering talent by netting an impressive 10 goals.

Despite Erling Haaland’s remarkable treble win with Manchester City and his 30 goals in all competitions after the World Cup and before August 20, 2023, it was the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi that triumphed in the end. The ceremony in London saw PSG forward Kylian Mbappe securing the third position in the voting, adding further excitement to an already compelling event. The absence of the three finalists at the awards ceremony only added to the intrigue, making this edition of The Best FIFA Awards truly unforgettable.