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Lionel Messi has won the FIFA Best Men’s Player award, beating Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to the prize.
The Argentina superstar, who has eight Ballon d’Or titles to his name, has won the award for a third time.
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Despite turning his back on the very highest level of the game in 2023, Inter Miami star Messi has been judged as the best player on the planet.
Haaland was part of the Manchester City side that won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League last season.
Meanwhile, Mbappe won Ligue 1 and the Trophee des Champions with Paris Saint-Germain last term.
Messi has taken Major League Soccer by storm although Inter Miami finished in a disappointing 14th spot in 2023, which is second from bottom, in the Eastern Conference.
READ MORE ON LIONEL MESSI
Father of Haaland, Alfe-Inge, had a reaction which suggested he didn’t agree with who was voted the winner as he appeared to raise his eyebrows once Messi’s name was announced.
Messi was not present at the ceremony in London, so presenter Thierry Henry volunteered to collect the award on his behalf.
And the Arsenal legend couldn’t resist a cheeky jibe at fellow presenter Reshmin Chowhury, who supports rival club Tottenham.
Henry said: “Tonight someone’s going to have to take the trophy, shall I?
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“I actually have two reasons for taking it. I never won it so I’ll keep it.
“But you’re a Tottenham fan right? That’s the other reason, you don’t usually get your hands on a trophy so I’ll take this one.”
Haaland may have been overlooked for the top prize but his treble-winning manager wasn’t as Pep Guardiola scooped the FIFA Best Men’s Coach award.
England boss Sarina Wiegman won the Women’s Coach prize, while Spain and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati won the Best Women’s Player prize.
Meanwhile, England and Manchester United hero goalkeeper Mary Earps won the Best Women’s Goalkeeper award and was also included the FIFPro Women’s XI with England teammates Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Lauren James, Alessia Russo, Ella Toone and Keira Walsh.
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