The debate over who deserved to win the FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year award has sparked various opinions, including that of Mikel Obi.
Lionel Messi was eventually announced as the winner of the award, beating Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. Messi, however, did not attend the ceremony amid rumors that Haaland was the favorite to win over him and Mbappe.
Lionel Messi became the first footballer to win The Best FIFA Men’s Player award three times.
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has presented several reasons why Lionel Messi deserved to be crowned the 2023 FIFA Best Men Player of the Year ahead of Norwegian striker– Erling Haaland.
At the FIFA Best Men’s awards ceremony in London on Monday, Messi secured his eighth FIFA Best Award, overshadowing Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe.
Despite Haaland’s remarkable achievements, completing a treble with Manchester City and scoring 30 goals across all competitions during the review period, Messi emerged victorious.
The Argentine’s win ignited a wave of reactions on social media, with many fans expressing the belief that Haaland should have clinched the coveted title instead.
However, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, who experienced a World Cup final defeat to Messi in 2005, asserted Messi’s worthiness of the accolade.
Mikel pointed out that Messi’s achievements extend beyond individual accolades, emphasizing the significance of winning the Copa America in the same year he secured the award.
The debate over who deserves to win FIFA’s Best Player of the Year award has sparked a variety of opinions, including that of Mikel Obi. Lionel Messi was finally announced as the winner of the award, beating out Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
However, Messi did not attend the ceremony as rumors spread that Haaland is everyone’s favourite compared to Messi and Mbappé. Lionel Messi is presently the first soccer player to win the Best FIFA Men’s Player award three times.
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has explained several reasons why Lionel Messi deserves to be named the 2023 FIFA Player of the Year over Norwegian striker Erling Haaland.
Despite Haaland’s remarkable feat of winning the treble with his Manchester City and scoring 30 goals in all competitions during the period, Messi won. Argentina’s victory caused a huge reaction on social media, with many fans feeling that Haaland should have won the coveted title instead.
However, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, who lost to Messi in the 2005 World Cup final, reiterated that Messi deserves the award. Mikel pointed out that Messi’s achievements go beyond individual awards, stressing the importance of winning the Copa America in the same year that Messi won the award.
In Mikel’s words, “I think he did (deserved the award more than Haaland),” Mikel stated. “We have complained and said, ‘But he has not won the World Cup’.
“That was the only question. He has not won the World Cup with Argentina. But then he won the Copa America the same year he won the World Cup. Come on.”
Mikel argued in Haaland’s favor and acknowledged the Norwegian’s influential contribution. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Manchester City is capable of creating chances and winning games even without Haaland’s presence on the field.
“I understand that. He plays for Manchester City. Manchester City is the team that creates chances. They win games. He (Haaland) has not played for nine games, ten games, but what are they doing? They lost one in nine or ten games.”
“They create chances, score goals, and know how to win games without Haaland.”
Messi’s victory not only cements his place as the player with the most wins in FIFA’s top award, but also marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Major League Soccer player to receive this prestigious award.