FIFA The Best 2024: Fans agree one player deserves the nomination, not Lionel Messi

• Lionel Messi was included in the FIFA The Best award, but fans criticized the decision.
• The Inter Miami star won the Copa America, but some felt other players deserved to be nominated above him.
• Messi has won the last two awards, but his recent victories have been met with criticism from fans.

The 2024 FIFA World Player of the Year nominees have been announced and there has been some controversy.

Inter Miami and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi was included on the list, with fans believing his teammate Lautaro Martinez deserved it more.

Players are ranked based on their performances from August 21, 2023 to August 10, 2024.

Why Martinez deserved a nomination instead of Messi

Messi was nominated for the award along with players such as Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Kylian Mbepper and Erling Haaland.

Ten of the 11 nominees were nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, with Messi the only one missing out.

His inclusion in The Best award raised some eyebrows and fans questioned the decision. Messi has won the last two FIFA The Best awards.

Many believe Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez deserved the award over his iconic teammate.

Martinez has been one of the best players in Europe, especially last season for club and country. According to BeIn Sports, he scored 27 goals in 44 matches for Inter and 11 goals for Argentina.

The 27-year-old played a major role in Inter’s Scudetto triumph and Argentina’s Copa America victory. Fans argued that his 43 goals and assists in 54 matches and major trophies deserved a nomination.

Fans criticize Messi’s inclusion

TUKO.co.ke It was previously reported that fans criticized FIFA for including Messi in the list of nominees among other players who deserved it more.

Messi’s notable victory is the America’s Cup. His Inter Miami team crashed out of the MLS Cup in the first round.

Fans, national team captains and media representatives will vote for the award winners.

Messi speaks after relegation from MLS

TUKO.co.ke also reported on Messi’s reaction to Inter Miami’s elimination from the MLS Cup.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acknowledged the team’s progress and was optimistic about the future.

Source: TUKO.co.ke