Lionel Messi (R) in action for Miami. Photo: Photosport
Lionel Messi has retained the FIFA men's player of the year award, beating Manchester City's treble-winning Norwegian striker Erling Haaland and France's Paris St Germain forward Kylian Mbappe to the award.
Spaniard Aitana Bonmati was named best women's player.
FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 golden ball winner Spain's Aitana Bonmati Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Messi, who also secured the award in 2022 after guiding Argentina to World Cup victory, clinched the Ligue 1 title with PSG alongside Mbappe following that success, before moving to Major League Soccer team Inter Miami.
The 36-year-old, voted the best player by national teams coaches, captains, journalists and fans, helped Inter Miami win the 2023 Leagues Cup -- a competition between MLS and Mexico's Liga MX sides -- scoring 10 goals.
Bonmati was a member of Spain's World Cup winning team and Barcelona's Champions League winning side.
Manchester City's Pep Guardiola won best men's coach and England's Sarina Wiegman the best women's coach.
- Reuters
