Lionel Messi Surprisingly Crowned The Best FIFA Men's Player, Beats 'Favourite' Erling Haaland
Lionel Messi was controversially crowned as FIFA's best men's player for 2023 on Monday, while Aitana Bonmati added to her collection of individual accolades at the awards ceremony in London. Messi claimed the award for the third time, but the 36-year-old was a surprise victor ahead of Erling Haaland on an otherwise glorious night for Manchester City. The award only covered the period after Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in December 2022 to August 2023.


