By Adadareporters
Inter Miami and Argentine superstar Lionel Messi pipped Manchester City forward Erling Haaland to the men’s player of the year at The Best FIFA Awards 2023 after a voting tie-break.
The two players were tied on points so the final decision went to national team captain votes as all four home nation skippers – Harry Kane (England), Andy Robertson (Scotland), Aaron Ramsey (Wales) and Jonny Evans (Northern Ireland) – voted for Messi.
The 2023 award recognised the most exceptional performer between December 19, 2022 and August 20, 2023.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez voted for Marcelo Brozovic first, Bernardo Silva second and Lionel Messi third.
Taiwan’s English manager Gary White voted for Declan Rice in third.
England manager Gareth Southgate voted for Erling Haaland first, Rodri second and Bernardo Silva third.
Performance at the 2022 World Cup was only considered for the previous year’s award – which was won by Messi after captaining Argentina to glory in Qatar.
How the home nations captains voted…
England’s Harry Kane – Messi first, Haaland second and Bernardo Silva third.
Scotland’s Andy Robertson – Messi first, Haaland second and Mbappe third .
Wales’ Aaron Ramsey – Messi first, Haaland second and De Bruyne third.
Northern Ireland’s Jonny Evans – Messi first, Mbappe second and Haaland third.
The 36-year-old clinched the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 before moving to Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, where he won the 2023 Leagues Cup – a competition between MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX sides – scoring 10 goals.
