FIFA, the global governing body for football, reported on the voting process conducted by leaders of the game. Valery Karpin, the head coach of the Russia national team, and Georgy Jikia, the team captain, both participated in deciding who deserved the crown of the world’s best football player. The input from these two figures added an important perspective to the broader poll conducted by the federation’s official channels (FIFA).
Within Karpin’s panel of votes, Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain, who also represents Argentina at the international level, was placed at the very top. Karim Benzema, the Real Madrid striker, emerged in second place, while Kylian Mbappé, a standout at PSG, was ranked third. The process, as described by FIFA, showcased the diverse opinions of national team coaches and captains who weighed recent achievements, impact on the field, and consistency across the season (FIFA).
Georgy Jikia, providing his own assessment, selected Mbappé as the player most deserving of the title. Messi was acknowledged as a close second, with Benzema following in third place. This split in opinion illustrated how voters from different regions and roles can highlight varied attributes when evaluating a player’s merit, from leadership and influence to peak performance in crucial moments (FIFA).
The culmination of the voting and the awards ceremony occurred on February 27, when the federation announced winners across several categories. Messi captured the coveted Best Player award, reflecting his contribution to football during the season and his leadership on the international stage. His triumph was underscored by the success of the Argentina national team, which had secured the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar and benefited from his leadership as the tournament’s standout performer (FIFA).
The event itself featured dramatic on-field moments that complemented the narrative of individual honors. In a high-stakes match, two halves ended tied at 2-2, with extra time forcing another period of play. Argentina demonstrated precision and composure in the ensuing penalty shootout, ultimately prevailing 4-2 to secure victory. The outcome reinforced Messi’s status as a defining figure in contemporary football, while also highlighting the resilience and teamwork that characterized Argentina’s campaign during the tournament (FIFA).
Meanwhile, commentary around officiating and refereeing in domestic competitions continued to generate discussion. Vladimir Bystrov, a former Russian international and former player for Zenit St. Petersburg, voiced concerns about some observers and fans reacting to refereeing decisions in the Russian Cup and the Russian Premier League quarter-final clash between Spartak Moscow and Lokomotiv Moscow. His remarks reflected ongoing debates about consistency in refereeing standards and the impact such calls have on the perception of fairness in major fixtures (FIFA).