Lionel Messi was named The Best FIFA Men's Player 2023, edging Manchester City's Norwegian striker Erling Haaland in a thrilling photo-finish, in a ceremony in London on Monday. Paris Staint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe was the other finalist.
The award recognises the best player in the men's game from December 19, 2022, to August 20, 2023. Messi had won the award in 2019 and 2022, too.
Messi and Haaland were tied for 48 points, while Mbappe got 35 points.
How the voting takes place?
The points are based on votes polled by national team coaches and captains, as well as expert journalists and fans across the world. Each category contributes to 25 per cent of the result.
Each coach and captain vote for three players, awarding five points to their first choice, three to their second and one to their third.
How did Messi edge Haaland?
The Argentine captain, who won the World Cup in 2022, was adjudged the winner over the Norway striker because he had more first-choice nominations from national men's team captains.
Messi won the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain and helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup in his inaugural season in Major League Soccer.
Haaland scored 52 goals in all competitions in a treble-winning season for Manchester City.
Here is the Best FIFA Awards 2023 full list
The Best FIFA Men's Player
Winner: Lionel Messi (48 points)
Second: Erling Haaland (48 points)
Third: Kylian Mbappe (35 points)
The Best FIFA Women's Player
Winner: Aitana Bonmati (52 points)
Second: Linda Caicedo (40 points)
Third: Jenni Hermoso (36 points)
The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper
Winner: Ederson (23 points)
Second: Thibaut Courtois (20 points)
Third: Yassine Bounou (16 points)
The Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper
Winner: Mary Earps (28 points)
Second: Catalina Coll (14 points)
Third: Mackenzie Arnold (12 points)
The Best FIFA Men's Coach
Winner: Pep Guardiola (28 points)
Second: Luciano Spalletti (18 points)
Third: Simone Inzaghi (11 points)
The Best FIFA Women's Coach
Winner: Sarina Wiegman (28 points)
Second: Emma Hayes (18 points)
Third: Jonatan Giraldez (14 points)
