New Delhi: Lionel Messi’s top pick for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award has been revealed, following Vinicius Junior’s triumph at the ceremony held yesterday in Doha. The Real Madrid sensation has been instrumental in his club’s La Liga title and Champions League triumph during the 2023-24 season, edging out competition from Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri. In a closely contested race Vinicius lost to Rodri in the Ballon d’Or earlier this year but this time he came out on top in the FIFA awards by securing 48 points narrowly surpassing Rodri’s 43.
The voting process included national team coaches, captains, and prominent media figures from across the globe. As captain of Argentina’s national team Lionel Messi’s voting choices garnered significant attention. He selected Barcelona’s 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal as his top pick followed by his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe in second place and eventual winner Vinicius Junior in third. Notably, Manchester City midfielder Rodri was absent from Messi’s list.
Lionel Messi backed Lamine Yamal as his FIFA The Best winner ahead of ex-teammate Kylian Mbappé and eventual winner Vinícius Jr. 🤝🥹🙌 pic.twitter.com/3Gm2ypCO8c
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) December 17, 2024
Messi himself finished sixth in the final standings, having previously claimed the award three times in 2019, 2022, and 2023. The 37-year-old has also expressed admiration for Yamal noting that the youngster reminds him of his early playing days.
Messi finished in sixth place in The Best FIFA Men’s Player award ranking 😮
He’s still got it 🐐 pic.twitter.com/WpXaoAUqA7
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 17, 2024
Lamine Yamal’s contribution
The legend’s top pick had an outstanding season for both the club and country in the 2023-24 season. The Barca teenager played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph as he delivered a remarkable performance in the semi-finals against France and contributed four assists in the tournament. His efforts earned him the best young player of the tournament.
Despite Barcelona’s lack of silverware last season, Lamine Yamal stood out with his individual brilliance, netting seven goals and nine assists in 50 appearances across all competitions. His electrifying style of play has sparked comparisons to Lionel Messi’s early days at Barcelona as he has also emerged from the renowned La Masia academy.
🚨🗣️ Leo Messi: “A new generation player who I watch and be like ‘Oh, that’s me, when I was younger’? The new generation of young players is very good and has many years ahead of them.
“Well, I heard about Lamine Yamal, without a doubt. It depends on him, and also other things,… pic.twitter.com/gGNtHxVUtf
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) December 12, 2024
Yamal is also a right-winger which Messi has mastered. In 72 appearances for the Catalans he has contributed 13 goals and 21 assists across all competitions. The Spaniard’s swift rise hit a setback this season after he sustained an injury during Barcelona’s 1-0 defeat to Leganes in La Liga on Sunday.
The 17-year-old forward has been diagnosed with a grade 1 ligament injury, leaving his recovery timeline unclear as Barcelona plans to manage his return with care. In contrast, the winner Vinicius Junior is set to feature for Real Madrid in the Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca on Wednesday in Doha.
Explore how Messi’s 2024 FIFA Awards votes emphasize his connection to his former club as he surprises many with his top three choices for the award. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
