Lionel Messi has once again earned a nomination for FIFA The Best 2024 Men’s Player of the Year Award. The announcement comes after a season where Messi recorded 30 goals and 19 assists in 38 games. He also added two trophies to his cabinet, winning the Copa América and the Supporters’ Shield with Inter Miami. However, his inclusion has triggered a wave of debate among fans and pundits alike.
Many fans argue that Messi’s nomination is undeserved this time, pointing to his modest contribution in the Copa América. Despite lifting the trophy with Argentina, Messi scored just one goal during the tournament. Critics believe that his performances lacked the dominance required to justify his place among the world’s best. They also highlight that Messi no longer plays in European football, which raises questions about the competitiveness of his league performances.
Supporters of Messi’s nomination emphasize his leadership and impact on and off the pitch. They believe his influence in guiding Argentina to another international title outweighs raw statistics. However, the debate has been fueled further by comparisons to other players like Lautaro Martínez and Mohamed Salah. Many believe these players, with exceptional seasons in more competitive leagues, could have been better nominees.
Messi, the winner of the last two editions of the award, faces tough competition this year. Players like Rodri, Vinicius Jr., Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé delivered extraordinary seasons, making them strong contenders for the top prize. While Messi’s legacy remains untouchable, his nomination in 2024 raises questions about whether it truly reflects current form or past reputation. Fans will eagerly await the results, as the debate shows no sign of slowing down.
