Lionel Messi was named the Best Fifa men’s player award for 2022 at a ceremony in Paris following his World Cup triumph with Argentina.

Messi beat his teammate at Paris Saint-Germain and opponent in the World Cup final, Kylian Mbappe, to win the men’s prize. Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema was also in the running.

It is the second time Messi has won this award, which was started by FIFA in 2016 after the world soccer body split from France Football, which ran the Ballon d’Or.

The coaches and captains of national teams, as well as journalists and fans, vote for the award. It was given to the former Barcelona star in the year that he led Argentina to victory at the World Cup, which was the highlight of a long and successful career.

Messi scored twice in the epic final in Doha, and Argentina beat France on penalties even though Mbappe scored three goals for Les Bleus in a 3-3 tie.

He also won the Golden Ball for being the best player at the tournament, even though Mbappe scored more goals than Messi with eight.

“This year was just mad for me, to be able to achieve my dream that I had fought so hard for. In the end I got it and it was the most beautiful thing that has happened in my career,” Messi said of his World Cup win as he collected his award.

“It is a dream for every footballer but something that very few can make come true,” added Messi, who was sat in the Paris theatre in between Mbappe and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo.

Photo by EPA/YOAN VALAT