2023 marks the 5th consecutive time Lionel Messi has been in the top 3 nominations for Best Player at FIFA The Best after winning last year. His opponents will be Man City’s Erling Haaland and PSG’s Kylian Mbappe.

Many M10 fans are hoping that the Argentine superstar can successfully defend his title to become the first player to own 3 The Best titles. However, this possibility will be much more difficult than winning last year.

Because, the time for considering the Best Player award of FIFA The Best 2023 is from December 19, 2022 to August 20, 2023. That means the 2022 World Cup is not counted in this year’s tournament cycle. Therefore, Messi’s presence in the top 3 of this year’s tournament was already a surprise and caused a lot of controversy.

In the past year, M10 won Ligue 1 with PSG, won the title of King of Assists in the tournament and then led new club Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup championship. During the award cycle of The Best 2023, Messi had 24 goals in 32 in all competitions.

Messi’s achievement may be better than Mbappe’s 17 goals in 20 Ligue 1 matches during the tournament review period, but when compared to Haaland, it is quite far behind.

Specifically, the Man City striker scored 28 goals in 33 matches in all competitions during the award cycle. Combined with his outstanding collective achievements with the treble with The Citizens, it can be affirmed that Erling Haaland is the number 1 candidate to succeed Messi in the title of Best Player at FIFA The Best 2023.