The Argentina and Inter Miami striker was included in the International Federation of Football History & Statistics’ XI of 2023.

The past 12 months have been a whirlwind for Lionel Messi after he was instrumental in helping Argentina secure their third ever World Cup triumph as they beat France in the Lusail final on 18 December (2022). Last summer, Messi turned his back on the financial lure of Saudi Arabia and opted for a move to MLS side Inter Miami where he helped the Herons to their first ever silverware winning the Leagues Cup.

Full screenArgentina’s captain and forward #10 Lionel Messi,ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULATAFP

For the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History and Statistics), Leo remains one of the best players in the world and the Rosario born striker has been included in their XI of 2023 being the only Argentinean to make the list.

Injury issues aside, Messi played in 45 matches, scored 28 goals delivering 12 assists and added two new titles to his trophy cabinet (the Ligue 1 title with PSG and the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami).

Messi is the only player from the XI not currently active in the five major European leagues being the sole MLS inclusion. The Premier League dominates the team (Ederson, Dias, De Bruyne, Rodri, Haaland), three Bundesliga stars are included (Min-Jae Kim, Davies, Kane), one from LaLiga (Bellingham) and one in Ligue 1 (Mbappé). Serie A, on the other hand, has zero representatives.

IFFHS MEN’S WORLD TEAM 2023

EDERSON (Manchester City & Brazil)

Ruben DIAS (Manchester City & Portugal)

Kim MIN JAE (Bayern Munich & South Korea)

Alphonso DAVIES (Bayern Munich & Canada)

RODRI (Manchester City & Spain)

Jude BELLINGHAM (Real Madrid & England)

Kevin DE BRUYNE (Manchester City & Belgium)

Lionel MESSI (Inter Miami & Argentina)

Harry KANE (Bayern Munich & England)

Erling HAALAND (Manchester City & Norway)

Kylian MBAPPE (PSG & France)