Messi and Haaland tied in FIFA’s “Best” rankings… but Leo won for this reason

FIFA “Best” 2023 He left the image as a keepsake. When no one expected it, Leo Messi beat Erling Haaland for the award, which runs from December 19, 2022 until the end of the 2022/23 season. Not counting the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which was just a little bit. Both had an equal number of points (48), but the Argentine emerged victorious as he was voted first in more cases: 107 to 64.

The images left by the television production were stunning. Neither Haaland, Messi nor Mbappe (the three finalists) were present in London… and there were several moments of uncertainty. it affected everyone present: Father Haaland, Guardiola… or Henry, who hosted the event. Finally, Leo’s former teammate Henry received the award.

But… Why did Messi win if they had an equal number of points in the voting? Here’s how FIFA explains it:

“With 2022 World Cup winner and Norway international Haaland scoring 48 points, the difference was due to the number of first choice nominations Messi received in the national team captains’ votes, according to the Allocation Rules. (Article 12). “French striker Mbappe finished third with 35 points.”

As you can see in the image, Messi received the most votes from captains and fans, but Haaland won among coaches and journalists. In the end, the decision was made as in most cases the captains voted for Messi first.

Who votes in FIFA “Best”?

It is worth remembering that this award (like every publication) It was voted for by coaches and captains of national teams, as well as experienced journalists and fans from around the world.

For Leo this is a new “Best” award. Messi also won the 2019 FIFA Best Player award and has previously been voted FIFA’s best player in men’s football five times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015), making this his eighth individual prize in total.