At the recent Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in London, Messi’s Inter Miami commitment didn’t stop him from achieving another milestone in his illustrious career. The 36-year-old Argentinian superstar, currently playing for Inter Miami, was named the 2023 Best FIFA Men’s Player, marking his third time receiving this prestigious honor and setting a new record.
Messi, who was busy preparing with his Inter Miami team for an upcoming pre-season friendly against El Salvador, couldn’t attend the ceremony. His victory in the polls placed him ahead of renowned players Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, further cementing his legacy in the world of football.
Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland ended up with an equal score of 48 points each, while Kylian Mbappe followed with 35 points. However, Messi, who is currently showcasing his talents at Inter Miami, was named the winner due to receiving more five-point scores from votes cast by men’s national team captains. Interestingly, Messi had voted for Haaland himself.
This victory marked the third time Messi has won The Best FIFA Men’s Player award, having previously clinched it in 2019 and 2022. His win underlines his enduring influence in the sport, further solidified by his role as Argentina’s captain and his new journey with Inter Miami.
Messi’s Inter Miami Award Collection So Far
Lionel Messi’s inaugural season with Inter Miami has been nothing short of historic, further cementing his legacy in the world of soccer. The Argentine forward, known for his extraordinary feats in Europe, continued his dominance in the Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, earning prestigious accolades and breaking new ground.
Messi’s Inter Miami tenure began with a bang, as he was named The Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2023, a record third win for the soccer maestro. This achievement was even more remarkable considering his recent move to MLS, a league not typically associated with housing the winner of such a globally esteemed award. Messi’s victory in this category placed him ahead of elite competitors like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
In addition to this global recognition, Messi was also honored closer to his new home. He was declared Inter Miami’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2023 season, underscoring his immediate impact on the team. His contributions were crucial in leading Inter Miami to their first-ever Leagues Cup title. In this competition alone, Messi dazzled fans and opponents alike, notching up an impressive 10 goals and four assists in just seven games.
Perhaps the most historic moment in Messi’s Inter Miami chapter came when he was announced as the winner of the Ballon d’Or 2023, becoming the first active player in MLS history to claim this accolade. This was Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or win, extending his record in the annals of soccer history. His achievements over the past year, including leading Argentina to World Cup glory and his outstanding performance in Ligue 1, played a significant role in this unprecedented win.
In addition to the accolades previously mentioned, Messi was also honored as the Time Athlete of the Year, adding another prestigious recognition to his illustrious career. The Time Athlete of the Year award is a testament to Messi’s influence and impact beyond the soccer field, recognizing his contributions as a global sports icon. Messi’s Inter Miami journey has been closely watched and admired, as he continues to display the extraordinary skills and leadership that have defined his career.
Messi’s Inter Miami debut and his immediate success has not only elevated the profile of Inter Miami but also brought renewed attention and prestige to MLS. His presence in the league is a testament to the growing appeal and competitiveness of soccer in the United States. With Messi at the helm, Inter Miami’s future looks bright, and his ongoing journey with the team is eagerly watched by soccer enthusiasts around the world.
Messi’s Inter Miami Adventures
Explore all of Messi’s Inter Miami goals from the thrilling 2023 season:
Suarez, Alba, and Busquets have reunited, but who will be the next to join Messi in Miami?
After winning the Ballon d’Or 2023, Inter Miami organized a special game for Messi, presenting him with a unique Messi Inter Miami jersey adorned with a goat badge.