WATCH: LEO MESSI NAMED FIFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR AT "THE BEST"/SPORT1
Lionel Messi's eighth win of the FIFA World Footballer of the Year award at the 2023 "The Best" awards ceremony on Monday caused quite a stir. The Flea was ahead of Erling Haaland, against all predictions, and picked up the prize for a rather gray year (by his standards, of course).
The award was awarded based on votes from coaches, captains, journalists and fans from around the world. It turns out Messi is still the captains' favourite - with 667 points, ahead of Haaland (557) and Kylian Mbappe (282), which tipped the scales for him in such a tight race.
Cristiano Ronaldo's good friend Pepe chose not to include the flea in his final trio, preferring compatriot Bernardo Silva and Victor Osimhen over him, alongside Haaland. David Alaba also left Messi out, as did former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann and England manager Gareth Southgate.
The crowd also put Messi first, followed by Haaland and Mbappe. The coaches and fans actually went with the Manchester City star, with Messi second and Mbappé third.
Undoubtedly, the most surprising vote belonged to Portugal coach Roberto Martinez, who chose Marcelo Brozovic in first place - ahead of his Bernardo Silva, with Messi in third. "He had a very interesting season," he explained, "he was very good in the Champions League final and also represents the style of the Croatian national team very well." Another surprising choice belonged to one of the captains - Lyle Taylor of Montserrat, who placed Declan Rice in his first place.
As for the Israeli representatives, Elie Dassa gave Messi the honor, followed by Haaland and Mbappe. Alon Hazan went with Messi, Haaland and Khvicha Kvartskhelia in third place.
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