In a stunning turn of events, Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has not been included in the 2024 FIFPro Men’s World XI. This marks the end of an extraordinary 17-year streak that began in 2006, during which Messi was a consistent presence in the annual best XI, selected by professional footballers from around the world.
Messi, who holds the record for the most FIFPro World XI nominations in history with an incredible 17, has been a cornerstone of this prestigious lineup for nearly two decades. He is followed by his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who boasts 15 nominations.
Despite continued strong performances, particularly during his transition to Inter Miami and his contributions to Argentina’s national team, Messi’s omission underscores the competitive depth in global football today.
The 2024 FIFPro World XI lineup reflects the emergence of new stars and the sustained excellence of established players, but the absence of Messi undoubtedly leaves a void. Fans and pundits alike have expressed their surprise and disbelief across social media, with many celebrating the Argentine’s historic streak and unparalleled impact on the sport.
As Messi continues his career in North America, questions linger about whether this marks the twilight of his era in global football or if he will stage a comeback in future editions of the FIFPro World XI. For now, the record-breaking streak ends, but Messi’s legacy remains untouchable.
