14 December 2023 , 16:30
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Lionel Messi could become the first MLS player to win The Best FIFA Men's Player Award following his latest nomination for the prestigious prize.
The Inter Miami star has been announced as a finalist following a stellar year which saw him win trophies at both individual and club level. Messi has been put forward for the award alongside his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland - the same final three who topped this year's Ballon d'Or list.
While the Argentine is no stranger to the award - winning in 2019 and 2022 - a victory would see the 36-year-old become the first player in MLS, and outside of Europe, to achieve the feat. Messi's place in the final three comes off the back of winning a second consecutive Ligue 1 title while playing for PSG. The forward would also end the campaign with the most assists in the league - 16 - and be named in the Ligue 1 team of the season.
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During the season Messi would go on to further cement his place in football history when he guided Argentina to win the World Cup in Qatar. The victory was a highlight of his illustrious career which gave the football-loving nation their first World Cup victory since 1986. Following his move to Inter Miami, the Argentine played a crucial role in helping the MLS side lift the Leagues Cup -the team's first piece of silverware. Messi also lifted an eighth Ballon d'Or title thanks to his success at both club and international level.
Much like his Ballon d'Or nomination, Messi will have his work cut out to beat Haaland to claim the prize. The Norwegian has excelled since his move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City and has a plethora of silverware to show for his efforts. The 23-year-old was instrumental to City's dominant season. The team, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, lifted an unprecedented treble - the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
During the campaign Haaland also netted a remarkable 36 goals in 35 Premier League games, seeing him beat Andy Cole and Alan Shearer's record of 34 goals in the 42-game season. Messi will also have to fend off his former PSG teammate Mbappe. The French striker ended last season tied with Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette as the league's top scorer with 26 goals.
Mbappe's eight World Cup goals was enough to see him win the tournament's Golden Boot, despite failing to defeat Messi's Argentina in the final. Mbappe would also lift the Ligue 1 title. If Messi were to win The Best FIFA Men's Player Award he would have the most wins since the award was first created back 2016 - following the end of the FIFA World Player of the Year award. The 36-year-old is currently tied with two wins alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski.