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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) teammates Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi have been nominated for the UNFP Ligue 1 'Player of the Year' award for the 2022-23 season.
The list, as confirmed by UNFP on their website, also includes RC Lens teammates Lois Openda and Seko Fofana, and LOSC Lille Metropole's Jonathan David. Mbappe has won the award the last three times.
The award was declared void for the 2019-20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The French centre-forward has continued his rich vein of form this season, registering 26 goals and five assists in 31 league games.
Messi isn't far behind him in terms of goal contributions, recording 15 goals and as many assists in 29 Ligue 1 games. Openda, 23, has spearheaded Lens' title charge this campaign, scoring 19 times in 35 Ligue 1 games.
Fofana, meanwhile, has been the heartbeat of Lens's midfield, helping them climb up to second in the standings. They trail PSG by six points after 35 games. David, who was linked with a move to Real Madrid in the days leading up to the 2023 January transfer window, completes the list.
The 23-year-old Canadian centre-forward has 21 goals and four assists in 34 Ligue 1 games this season. Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette is a notable absentee. The former Arsenal forward sits just one goal behind Mbappe in the league's top-scorers list this term.
Lionel Messi returns from suspension as Kylian Mbappe fires PSG closer to title with Ajaccio win
Lionel Messi was initially handed a two-game suspension by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for taking an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia on May 1.
However, the club reportedly ended the suspension prematurely in exchange for a public apology. As a result, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was available to feature against Ajaccio on May 13.
Messi started alongside Kylian Mbappe in attack as Les Parisiens ran 5-0 winners at the Parc des Princes. The Argentina icon played the full 90 minutes without grabbing a goal or an assist, but Mbappe bagged a brace.
Messi's future at PSG seems uncertain. According to ESPN, he's expected to leave as a free agent this summer, with Inter Miami and Barcelona interested. The 35-year-old has also reportedly received an offer from an unnamed Saudi Arabian club.
