Lionel Messi, the Argentinian forward who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain, was named the FIFA Best Men’s Player of 2021. On January 17, 2022, FIFA announced the winners of its annual Best Awards. This ceremony, which honors the best football players and coaches in the world, is one of the most prestigious in the sport. This year’s event saw Lionel Messi win the FIFA Best Men’s Award, while Alexia Putellas retained the FIFA Best Women’s Award. In this article, we will explore the performances of these players and analyze the significance of the FIFA Best Awards.
Messi Wins FIFA Best Men’s Award
Messi had an outstanding year, winning the Copa America with Argentina and leading Barcelona to the Copa del Rey title. He scored 41 goals and provided 14 assists in 62 appearances for club and country.
Messi’s closest rival for the award was Kylian Mbappé, the French striker who plays for Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappé scored 42 goals and provided 12 assists in 47 appearances for club and country. However, Messi’s success in winning the Copa America, which had eluded him for so long, gave him the edge over Mbappé.
The award is a testament to Messi’s consistency and longevity at the highest level of football. This was the seventh time that he has won the FIFA Best Men’s Award, making him the most successful player in the history of the ceremony. The award also cements his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Mbappé’s Performance in 2021
Despite not winning the FIFA Best Men’s Award, Kylian Mbappé had an impressive year in 2021. He was the top scorer in Ligue 1, with 27 goals in 31 appearances, and helped Paris Saint-Germain reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. He also played a key role in France’s successful qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
However, Mbappé’s performances in 2021 were not enough to win him the FIFA Best Men’s Award. His achievements were overshadowed by Messi’s success in the