Lionel Messi is the first footballer to win the FIFA Men’s Player of the Year award three times.
On Monday, January 15, the Argentine superstar, 36, was announced as the 2023 winner at The Best FIFA Football Awards gala in London.
Messi was acknowledged for his exploits after winning the vote over competitors Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
On the other hand, Messi was not at the celebration since he was with his Inter Miami colleagues practicing for a pre-season friendly against El Salvador on Friday.
Argentina’s captain previously received the accolade in 2019 and 2022.
Every year, the Best FIFA Award honours the best outstanding performer in men’s football.