FILE – Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates with the trophy in front of the fans after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. Lionel Messi has been named FIFA’s best men’s player after moving to Inter Miami and leading the team to a little-known Leagues Cup title, all while single-handedly elevating soccer’s relevance in the United States. The 36-year-old Argentina star on Monday was selected over Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland — the same pair he beat for his eighth Ballon d’Or award last October. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)FILE – Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi holds his Ballon d’Or trophy before the team’s club friendly soccer match against New York City FC, Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Lionel Messi has been named FIFA’s best men’s player after moving from Paris Saint-Germain to Inter Miami and leading the David Beckham-owned team to a little-known Leagues Cup title, all while single-handedly elevating soccer’s relevance in the United States. The 36-year-old Argentina star on Monday was selected over Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland — the same pair he beat for his eighth Ballon d’Or award last October. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
