Lionel Messi Beats Haaland to Win Best FIFA Men’s Player Award, Thierry Henry Takes a Swipe at Spurs
Messi had a successful stint in Ligue 1 with PSG, scoring nine goals before his move to the USA. Since joining Inter Miami, he has scored 11 goals in 14 appearances, although only one goal came in the MLS. Messi was awarded the Best FIFA Men’s Player award, which is voted on by players, coaches, journalists, and fans. Kylian Mbappe and Haaland were also contenders for the award but were left disappointed. The ceremony was co-hosted by Thierry Henry, who joked about taking the trophy in Messi’s absence.
Haaland may feel hard done by for not winning the award, especially after his exceptional performances in Manchester City’s treble-winning season. He scored 29 Premier League goals and 12 goals in the Champions League, including a memorable five-goal haul against RB Leipzig. Aitana Bonmati was awarded the Best Women’s Player award for her contributions to Barcelona’s Champions League win and Spain’s World Cup victory.
Earlier in the evening, Haaland was recognized in the FIFPRO Men’s Best XI alongside his Manchester City teammates Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Bernardo Silva, and Kevin de Bruyne. City manager Pep Guardiola also won the FIFA Best Men’s Coach award and expressed gratitude to his players for their eight-year journey together.
