John Obi Mikel says Leo Messi deserved to win 2023 FIFA Best award ahead of Erling Haaland.

The former Chelsea player asserted that Messi’s noteworthy contributions to both the Argentina national team and Paris St. Germain.

Despite Haaland’s impressive treble win at Manchester City, which also involved him scoring 30 goals, the Argentine captain clinched the award.

“I think Messi did more than Haaland to win The Best FIFA Men’s Award. Man City are a good team with or without Haaland.

“We saw it in the Champions League and in recent games in the Premier League game. They have played 10 games without Haaland this season and only lost once,” He told Skysports.

Messi won the 2022 edition following his heroic performance for Argentina at the last FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The 37-year-old also clinched the Balon D’or.