New Delhi: Lionel Messi is no stranger to individual accolades, but his nomination for the 2024 FIFA Best Men’s Player Award has triggered a divisive debate. While many celebrate the recognition of the 37-year-old football icon, others feel his recent performances don’t match the criteria. Messi’s move to Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami has brought him plenty of goals and global attention, but critics argue the league’s level doesn’t compare to Europe’s top competitions.
This year’s shortlist also features names like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Rodri, and Vinícius Júnior. Their exploits in Europe’s elite leagues add weight to the argument that Messi’s MLS achievements might not be enough. Questions have also been raised about Cristiano Ronaldo’s exclusion, adding fuel to the ongoing rivalry between the two legends.
Is MLS competitive enough?
Lionel Messi MLS (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Messi joined Inter Miami this season and quickly became a sensation. Scoring 21 goals in 22 matches, he lifted his team and the league’s global reputation. However, MLS is still seen as a step below Europe’s elite competitions like the Premier League, La Liga, or the Champions League.
Meanwhile, his competitors have dominated in some of football’s toughest environments. Erling Haaland was pivotal in Manchester City’s treble-winning season, Rodri played a key role in Spain’s UEFA Euro win, and Vinícius shone for Real Madrid. Messi’s numbers, though impressive, haven’t come in leagues as competitive or demanding as these.
Adding to the controversy, FIFA’s recent decision to include Inter Miami in the revamped Club World Cup has been labelled by critics as capitalising on Messi’s star power. They argue that such moves further blur the lines between merit and marketing when awarding these honours.
The Ronaldo debate
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo among Top 30 nominees for 2024 Globe Soccer Awards. (Image via Getty Images and @CRonaldoTeam_ ‘X’)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s exclusion from the FIFA Best Men’s Player shortlist has reignited comparisons with Messi. Playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo scored 13 goals in 18 games, also delivering seven goals and two assists for Portugal in international matches.
If Messi’s performances in MLS were enough for a nomination, many feel Ronaldo’s similar achievements deserved equal consideration. However, Ronaldo’s name only appeared in the FIFA Best Striker Award category, leaving his fans questioning the fairness of these nominations.
As debates rage on, the broader issue lies in comparing performances across leagues of varying competitiveness. Messi’s enduring influence on football is undeniable, but some believe his achievements this season don’t match those of players excelling in Europe’s top leagues.
Messi’s nomination highlights the challenge FIFA faces in balancing star power with fairness. Whether his MLS numbers should stand alongside Europe’s best remains a polarising debate among fans and experts.
Lionel Messi’s FIFA Best nomination has sparked heated debates, questioning the fairness of comparing MLS to Europe’s elite leagues. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
