Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi’s top three picks for the Best FIFA Men’s Player award have been revealed after the ceremony in Paris, France.
Messi took home the major honour of the night after he was crowned Best FIFA Men’s Player ahead of PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema.
The 35-year-old Argentine forward collected his award on Monday after securing 52 points, with Mbappe and Benzema picking up 44 and 34 points respectively.
Messi capped off a fine 2022 by leading Argentina to the World Cup trophy in Qatar, with the Barcelona legend’s inspiring form securing him the Golden Ball award.
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Journalists, captains and coaches cast their votes for a wide range of FIFA awards, including Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper and Best FIFA Women’s Player.
Messi, who was named in the FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World 11, was eligible to cast votes for the awards ceremony due to his captain status for Argentina.
Each captain could select up to three players to vote for in a category, with their first pick earning five points, second pick receiving three and the third pick scoring only one point.
According to FIFA’s official website, Messi ranked PSG teammate Neymar as his first pick and France forward Mbappe as his second.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner awarded his final vote to Benzema, who lifted the La Liga title and Champions League trophy with Madrid last season.
Speaking after his win at the Best FIFA Football Awards, Messi said “It’s amazing. It’s been a tremendous year and it’s an honour for me to be here and win this award.
“Without my teammates, I wouldn’t be here. I achieved the dream I had been hoping for so long. Very few people can achieve that and I have been lucky to do so.”
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Topics: Lionel Messi, FIFA, Football
Adnan Riaz