FIFA awards: Messi Reigns, Ederson & Guardiola top performers
Argentina's Lionel Messi cemented his legacy as one of football's all-time greats by adding a third FIFA The Best Men's Player trophy to his cabinet.
The 36-year-old Inter Miami forward edged out Manchester City's Erling Haaland and PSG's Kylian Mbappé in a tightly contested race.
"This is a special moment," Messi beamed, accepting the award. "To be recognized by my peers and fans globally means the world to me."
Messi's 2023 was a masterclass in individual brilliance. He dazzled MLS audiences with 23 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances for Inter Miami, while playing a pivotal role in Argentina's World Cup triumph.
Meanwhile, Manchester City dominated the remaining major awards. Ederson Moraes, nicknamed "The Wall," lived up to his moniker by claiming the Best Men's Goalkeeper accolade. City's mastermind Josep Guardiola, architect of their historic treble last season, was duly named Best Men's Coach.
The women's side saw England national team boss Sarina Wiegman lift the Best Women's Coach trophy, adding to her European Championship crown. In a moment of sheer athleticism, Brazilian forward Guilherme Madruga's acrobatic bicycle kick for Botafogo against Novorizontino snagged the coveted Puskás Award for the year's most beautiful goal.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
