Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain striker Lionel Messi has been named the best player in South America in 2022 by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).
He also made the fantasy team of the best players in South America, that also includes goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, defenders Nicolás Otamendi, Thiago Silva and Cristian Romero, midfielders Rodrigo De Paul, Casemiro, Enzo Fernández, Vinicius, and forwards Neymar and Julián Álvarez.
Argentina had earlier defeated France (3-3, 4-2 on penalties) in the final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and won the World Cup for the third time in its history, having previously won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986.
Messi won the World Cup for the first time in his career. He was named Best Player at the end of the tournament.