Lionel Messi holds the excellence of being the highest winner of FIFA’s The Finest award. Because the break up between France Soccer and FIFA, Messi has claimed the distinguished honor thrice: in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Nonetheless, in 2024, for the primary time in his profession, Messi completed exterior the high 5, rating sixth.
The final time Messi didn’t make the highest three was in 2018. Regardless of having one in all his most statistically spectacular seasons that 12 months, scoring 45 objectives and offering 20 assists in 54 matches, Messi completed fifth. In 2018, Mohamed Salah gained The Finest award, having scored 27 objectives and supplied 10 assists in 52 video games. Statistically, Messi outperformed the Egyptian, however the award isn’t solely about particular person brilliance, it additionally considers workforce success.
Salah’s victory was propelled by his main position in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph, the place he was not solely the highest scorer but in addition the standout participant. In distinction, Messi and Barcelona suffered a heart-breaking defeat within the semifinals by the hands of the Reds, who mounted an unimaginable comeback to attain 4 objectives and advance. This adopted Barcelona’s personal beautiful elimination the earlier 12 months by Roma, who additionally overcame a three-goal deficit within the quarterfinals.
In 2024, Messi completed sixth within the vote. Together with his transfer to MLS, many speculated his possibilities for future accolades would diminish as a result of a perceived drop in efficiency. Nonetheless, Messi nonetheless managed a formidable 23 objectives and 13 assists throughout the season, though it was a lot decrease than his previous seasons. However the winner, Vinicius Jr, is having the perfect season of his profession regardless of solely scoring 24 objectives and 11 assists.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami seems on earlier than the match towards Atlanta United
What number of instances has Lionel Messi been nominated for FIFA The Finest?
Other than holding the document for probably the most Ballon d’Or awards in historical past, Lionel Messi additionally boasts probably the most nominations for The Finest FIFA Males’s Participant award. Because the award’s inception in 2016, the Argentine icon has been nominated yearly. Furthermore, Messi has been included within the shortlist for 7 of the 9 editions of The Finest awards which have been held.
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Neither Vinicius nor Mbappe: Lionel Messi’s first vote for FIFA The Finest 2024, revealed
Along with his first-place finishes, Messi secured second place in 2016, 2017, and 2021, whereas incomes third place in 2020. His constant presence among the many high contenders underscores his unparalleled impression on the game. At 37 years previous, Messi continues to rank among the many high 10 in The Finest awards, a testomony to his enduring greatness.
