Messi Wins Men's FIFA Best Player Award Ahead Of Mbappe, Benzema

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, had a year to remember in 2022. He has been crowned the FIFA player of the year.

Argentina swept up all the major men's awards after winning an epic World Cup final against France.

In that thrilling final, Messi was the hero, scoring two crucial goals to help his team emerge victorious on penalties after a 3-3 draw in Qatar.

It was a vintage performance from Messi, who proved once again why he is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time.

At the awards ceremony in Paris, Messi sat next to his Paris St Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe, who was also nominated for the coveted award.

Mbappe netted a hat-trick in the World Cup final, but Messi's heroics stole the show.

Yesterday we saw the best duo in the world humiliate their club rival Marseille together. Today Fifa confirmed them as the two greatest individuals in world football.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe..no one even comes close. pic.twitter.com/GTac542LGX

— ِ (@MbappeStyx) February 27, 2023

Messi was humbled by the accolade, saying, "It's amazing. It was a tremendous year, and it is an honour for me to be here tonight and win this award.

"I want to express my thanks to coach Lionel Scaloni and my teammates. Without them, I would not be here."

Messi's compatriots, Lionel Scaloni and Emiliano Martinez, also had a night to remember.

Scaloni was named coach of the year, while Martinez won the keeper of the year award.

What a night! ?

Congratulations to all the winners at this year's #TheBest FIFA Football Awards ?

Find out who won in each category at the awards ceremony in Paris:

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) February 27, 2023

Argentina's supporters were also recognized, winning the best fans prize.

Meanwhile, England's women's team was rewarded for their victorious Euro 2022 campaign, with Mary Earps named keeper of the year, and Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman receiving the accolade for best coach.

Putellas Wins Women's FIFA Best Player Award

Spain's Alexia Putellas, who won the Ballon d'Or in the previous year, was named women's player of the year after inspiring Barcelona to a third consecutive national title in 2022.

The Puskas prize for the best goal of the year went to Polish amputee Marcin Oleksy, for a spectacular acrobatic volley with Warta Poznan against Stal Rzeszow.

Overall, it was a night of celebration for the world of football, as some of the biggest names in the sport were recognized for their outstanding achievements over the past year.

But it was Lionel Messi, once again, who stole the show, cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.