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Lionel Messi has won arguably the most contestable award in football history, here is why it happened
It is no longer news that Lionel Mesi won his third FIFA The Best Men’s Player of the Year award, beating Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to the accolade and retaining the prize he won last year as well.
While Messi celebrates yet another career milestone, many have questioned the validity of this year’s award given the competition that the Inter Miami man was up against and his actual performances during the period of consideration.
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21:55 - 15.01.2024
Lionel Messi: Thierry Henry collects Best FIFA Men's Player Award for absent Argentina star
Lionel Messi beat Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to win Best FIFA Men's Player but was absent from collecting the award.
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11:58 - 16.01.2024
FIFA Best: Why Messi’s latest honour shows that individual awards are just popularity contests
Messi was named FIFA Best Player of the Year for 2023, much to the annoyance of many football fans across the globe.
Messi’s nomination was questioned when the final nominees for the award were announced, so his winning has not gone down well among football fans, especially considering that his performances at the 2022 World Cup were outside the period for which the award was given.
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08:33 - 15.12.2023
FIFA’s strange rule means Messi does not deserve Men’s Player of the Year nomination
The idea of Lionel Messi winning the 2023 FIFA The Best Men's Player of the Year award has raised eyebrows among football fans. But did the Argentine deserve to be nominated at all?
We explore a range of factors that could have influenced the decision in Messi’s favour including the voting process and how Messi’s legacy could have been affected by a different outcome.
FIFA Marketing and Messi’s Brand
Messi's global brand is not just about his on-field prowess but also his marketability, which impacts FIFA's branding strategies. His widespread appeal and consistent performance in major leagues worldwide underscore his significant influence on football, possibly swaying the decision-making process.
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Messi's widespread popularity and brand image may have influenced voters, many of whom are still in awe of the Argentine’s World Cup feats, to award him The Best Men's Player of the Year.
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His influence in promoting the sport, attracting audiences, and engaging with fans worldwide is immense. This aspect, combined with his consistent high-level performances, makes him a valuable asset for FIFA's marketing and promotional endeavours. The recognition of Messi with this award also aligns with FIFA's objective to enhance the global appeal and visibility of football.
Surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record
Messi's award for The Best Men's Player of the Year, can also be viewed through the lens of his ongoing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo. This award adds another milestone to Messi's career, which could be seen as furthering his legacy in comparison to Ronaldo's.
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Messi had been tied with Ronaldo on two FIFA The Best Men’s Player of the Year awards each but has now claimed a third Player of the Year, making him the most decorated recipient of the title and possibly settling the GOAT debate.
Last Chance to Award Messi or Ronaldo
Considering Messi's age and the advanced stage of his career, there's a sentiment in the football community to honour his lasting contributions to the sport. In years where he continues to perform exceptionally, this award could be seen as an acknowledgement of his enduring excellence in football.
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It is worth noting that both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are in the later stages of their illustrious careers and are unlikely to put up performances that will see them win the award at their current clubs, Inter Miami and Al Nassr, respectively.
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The Best Men's Player of the Year award for Messi in this light can be seen as the last chance to reap the marketability of two of the greatest players of this generation, an opportunity that would have been too hard to pass up.
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