Portugal’s football sensation Cristiano Ronaldo caused a stir on the internet with a mysterious post, showcasing his training session with Al Nassr on Instagram. This post coincided with Argentina’s Lionel Messi securing the Fifa Best Men’s Player of the Year 2023 award, a victory that stirred debates among fans.
Messi, winning the prestigious award for the third time, narrowly edged out Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who claimed the second spot, while Kylian Mbappe secured the third position. The Fifa voting process saw both Messi and Haaland tied with 48 points each, but Messi clinched the title by garnering more votes from national team captains.
The decision left many surprised, especially considering Messi’s perceived ordinary performance between December 19, 2022, and August 20, 2023—the timeframe considered for the award. During the same period, Haaland’s notable achievements included an impressive tally of 30 goals and securing a historic treble with Manchester City.
Reacting to Ronaldo’s post, netizens expressed their opinions, suggesting that Ronaldo was a more deserving candidate for the Fifa Best Player Award. Ronaldo’s exceptional 2023 campaign included scoring 54 goals and providing 15 assists for Al Nassr and Portugal across all competitions, with an average of a goal per 96 minutes. Ronaldo captioned his Instagram post with determination, stating, “Back for more!”
As debates unfold on social media, the football world remains divided on who should have claimed the Fifa Best Men’s Player of the Year 2023 title. Ronaldo’s continued excellence on the field ensures that he remains a prominent figure in these discussions, leaving fans eager to witness his future performances.