Lionel Messi clinches FIFA Men’s Player of the Year, Edging out rising stars Kylian Mbappe and Earling Haaland

Footballing great Lionel Messi has shown that advancing age isn’t slowing him down just yet. The 36-year-old was awarded with the FIFA Men’s Player of the Year award. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland were the other names in contention.

Both young players have had a stupendous few months with their respective teams. Erling Haaland played a crucial role in Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League title last year.

The win over Inter Milan FC was just the second time an English team had won the treble. Manchester United were the first to achieve this feat 24 years ago under Sir Alex Ferguson. Argentina meanwhile are set to defend their crown in what could be Messi’s last World Cup in 2026.

The legend of Lionel Messi keeps growing 

FIFA recently bestowed the Best Player of the Year award to Lionel Messi. The other contenders for the title were Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. It has come to light that Messi and Haaland both were equal on 48 points.

French strike Kylian Mbappe had 35 points, but the Argentine went through with the win. The reason behind this is that Messi had accumulated the most first-choice points. It was a huge moment for Messi who could be seen beaming with delight.

Meanwhile, there is a choice to be made for Kylian Mbappe about his future. As per reports, the 25-year-old could either choose Real Madrid or Liverpool FC. There is also a chance that the 2018 World Cup winner could go to FC Barcelona.

There are further reports that Mbappe is set to make his feelings clear to PSG pretty soon. Once the player is free from his contract he can move to another club on a free transfer. Florentino Perez is set to pay huge sums of money to lure the Frenchman to Madrid.

A few years ago, Real Madrid had tried to sign Mbappe but the pursuit ended in defeat. A miffed Perez had torn into the player and his club after Mbappe signed an extension. The Spanish giants are currently second in the LA Liga table trailing FC Girona by one point.