Superstar Lionel Mеssi received his first individual award of the season in Ligue 1, when fans named him the “best foreign player”.
Ligue 1 organizers have selected four nominations, including Mеssi, Alеxis Sаnchez, Jоnathan Dаvid and Fоlarin Balogun, for fans to grab online. The results of June 26 showed that Mеssi received 52.1% of the note, compared to the second, Sánchez, 23.5%. This is the first time Messi has received an individual award in Ligue 1, and possibly the last, as he left PSG for Inter Miami.
This award is given to the most impressive non-French players of the season. Last season, when Messi played unsuccessfully, Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetа received the award for his high performance with Lyon.
Messi scored 16 goals, assisted 16 times in 32 games in Ligue 1 in the 2022-2023 season, helping PSG win the championship. He was one of only two players to score and assist more than 15 times in five European competitions last season, along with Antоine Griezmann.
The Ligue 1 player of the season award went to striker Kylian Mbappé, with 28 goals and five assists. Messi and Mbappé also appeared in the team of the season, along with two other teammates, Achraf Hakimi and Nᴜno Mendеs.
Messi is also leading the race to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or, according to Opta, while Erling Haland and Mbappé trail respectively. Nominations for these awards will be announced on September 6, 2023 and the awards ceremony will take place on October 30, 2023. Messi holds the record for winning seven Ballon d’Ors, twice as many as second-place Cristiano R .onaldo.