Messi, Mbappe and Benzema finalists for FIFA Best Player award

Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain Leo Messi, France’s superstar forward Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema head the three-player shortlist announced by FIFA on Friday,

The accolade recognises the most outstanding performers in the men’s game from the period of 8 August 2021 to 18 December 2022.

In the Best Women’s Player award, Beth Mead of England, Alex Morgan of the United States and Spain’s Alexia Putellas were on the shortlist voted for by a separate global voting panel.

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The winners will be announced at a Feb. 27 ceremony in Paris.

Messi edged Mbappé for the Golden Ball awarded by FIFA as the best player at the World Cup. Croatia captain Luka Modrić placed third in that contest.