Messi vs Ronaldo debate reignited: FIFA faces backlash for nominating Argentine for Best Men's Player 2024
By Sunita Iyer | First Published Nov 29, 2024, 1:54 PM ISTLionel Messi's nomination for The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2024 sparks debate, with Cristiano Ronaldo fans questioning the Argentine's inclusion over the Portuguese legend's performances.
Legendary footballer Lionel Messi’s inclusion in the shortlist for The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2024 has ignited a fierce debate among football fans, with many questioning his place on the list. The Argentine icon, now playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), has once again found himself in the spotlight—not just for his achievements, but for the controversy surrounding his nomination.
Also read: Messi snubs Barcelona's 125th anniversary: Has Laporta's betrayal left a lasting rift?
FIFA Men's Player 2024 nominees.
Let the voting begin... 🗳️
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Messi enjoyed a successful year after his World Cup triumph in late 2022, with his move to the United States marking a new chapter in his illustrious career. His arrival at Inter Miami sparked a football revolution in MLS. In 39 appearances for Inter Miami, the Argentine has so far scored 34 goals and provided 18 assists. For his country, Messi has scored 6 goals and provided 5 assists in 2024. Overall, he's scored 112 goals for his nation and provided 58 assists so far.
However, fans of Cristiano Ronaldo were quick to question the absence of the Portuguese legend's name, pointing to the legendary striker's performances for his country and club Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. In contrast to Messi, Ronaldo has in 2024 scored 7 goals for Portugal and provided 2 assists so far. Overall, the former Manchester United star has scored 135 goals and provided 37 assists. At club level, Ronaldo has so far scored 77 goals for the Saudi club and provided 18 assists. His fans argue that the Saudi league’s increasing competitiveness, coupled with his individual brilliance at the international level, makes him more deserving of a nomination than Messi.
What FIFA does with Messi is tainting a legacy that doesn’t need anyone’s help.
He already is one of (if not the best) in history. They diminish his own value by carrying him like this. https://t.co/cdzfnfLN5k
MLS supporter's shield.
Copa America.
I won't talk about his stats but I know it's rigged if he doesn't win it . https://t.co/qscW74YFNj
Past Me would have been mad after seeing Messi unfairly put in this list but now I become Happy. Why? Because FIFA is proving all the allegations to be correct. Everyday Ronaldo is becoming Undisputed🐐 https://t.co/ccuCi4rBlN
— Tannu (@Tannu_Reads)If Messi is here
What is the explanation for Ronaldo not being on the list ? https://t.co/rrQDBifYzj pic.twitter.com/44nwPZ0NPW
Winning 5 Ballon d'Ors isn't spoken enough.pic.twitter.com/YfsRJOFMkU https://t.co/4BHDrx7e81
— Ronaldo Nassr (Fan) 🎥 (@Ronaldo_Nassr7)FIFA this is now interesting!!!!!!! Where is Ronaldo & Mo Salah? what's Mbappe doing there !!!!
— Mr Red (@MrRedOG)This just goes to show you how corrupt the system is. Messi hasn't done anything since the World Cup two years ago, yet he's on the list.
Messi will retire, and he will still be included on these meaningless lists. All these awards have lost their prestige.
They just be letting anyone on the team man. Clearly a FIFA BOY ATM!! 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/jIcuKLsYFg
— Official Blessing (@BlessingGives)How did Ronaldo win the ballon d’or against this corruption 😭😭😭
— Hamy (@LFC_Hamy)How is Messi even here? https://t.co/wZhkuKuGWm
— Leslie. The Man (@lbyahans)Lionel Messi again? 🤣😳
They never beating the allegations https://t.co/5MVkCuZMhG
They actually have Messi in here for scoring 1 deflection goal in the whole Copa America whilst being 1st round exists in the MLS 🤣🤣🤣
And they will continue to say he isn’t favored by the whole Fifa system https://t.co/sFfOHAiCSx
Why is Messi in this lmfao https://t.co/PM4zLa6bxC
— sal (@SalDMV)Messi's nomination makes a mockery of the whole thing. https://t.co/ehH5jBte3d
— Thorin (@Thorin)This year’s shortlist features a host of high-performing players, including Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, as well as Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Rodri, who dominated European football. Emerging talents like Lamine Yamal and Florian Wirtz also earned nods for their remarkable seasons. The full list of nominees also includes names like Kylian Mbappe, Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, and Dani Carvajal, with the eventual winner set to be revealed in a much-anticipated ceremony.
Messi’s fans, however, have defended his place, citing his continued ability to perform at the highest level, even at 36. They argue that his impact transcends statistics, with his leadership and ability to elevate any team he joins being key factors. This debate is a microcosm of the long-standing rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo fans, which has defined football discourse for over a decade.
Full list of The Best FIFA Men’s Player nominees
Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)
Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)
Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)
Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)
Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappe (France, Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid)
Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
Lionel Messi (Argentina, Inter Miami)
Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)
Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)
Vinicius Jr (Brazil, Real Madrid)
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