For the FIFA Best Men’s Player Award, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are up against six Champions League champions from Manchester City, including Erling Haaland.

Messi received the FIFA trophy last year after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup triumph. He previously won the prize in 2019.

Through an online poll, national team captains and coaches, chosen journalists, and fans will vote until October 6. The date of the awards event has not yet been confirmed.

Messi, who will be vying for the honor for the third time, will have stiff opposition from Manchester City’s Haaland. Last year, the Norwegian forward scored 52 goals with Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning team.

Along with Messi, Haaland, and Mbappe, the shortlist includes Julián lvarez, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Declan Rice, Marcelo Brozovic, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Victor Osimhen.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo was once again excluded from the shortlist.