Lionel Messi has once again been named The Best FIFA Men's Player for 2023, triumphing over Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland to claim the top spot. The Argentine forward secured this prestigious title at the ceremony held in London on Monday, solidifying his status as the world's best men's player. This marks Messi's third time winning the award, having previously been recognized in 2019 and 2022, making him the most decorated recipient in history.

Following his eighth Ballon d'Or win in 2023 and his outstanding performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Messi has now added another accolade to his illustrious career by being crowned the best player in the world by FIFA. Notably, he is the first player to achieve this honor while playing in the MLS, further cementing his legacy in the sport.

Interestingly, neither Messi nor his fellow nominees, Mbappe and Haaland, were present at the ceremony. Instead, Messi opted to remain in Miami, focusing on training with the Herons for their upcoming preseason game against the El Salvador national team on Friday.

Looking ahead, the 2024 MLS season is on the horizon, with the Herons set to kick off their campaign on February 21 against Real Salt Lake. Prior to the official season opener, a series of friendlies await, including a highly anticipated match against Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr on February 1.

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