It was a surprise that the Argentine Lionel Messi appeared in the nominations to win the best award given by FIFA to the most outstanding soccer player in the world, since he has been away from the elite at Club level for a long time and could not even play a significant role in winning the Copa America with Argentina, since he did not play the final due to injury.

Messi and The Best: A Controversial Reign

Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, has dominated the world of football for nearly two decades. His incredible skills, countless records, and numerous trophies have cemented his status as a legend. However, his consistent nomination and winning of the FIFA Best Player Award has sparked significant controversy and debate within the football community.

The Dominance of Messi

Since its inception, the FIFA Best Award has often seen Messi as a frontrunner. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level, coupled with his immense popularity, has made him a perennial favorite for the award. This dominance has led to accusations of bias and favoritism, with critics arguing that other deserving players are being overlooked.

The Arguments for Messi

Proponents of Messi’s dominance point to his:

• Consistent excellence: Messi has maintained a remarkably high level of performance year after year, delivering exceptional performances in both club and international football.
• Impact on the game: His playing style has revolutionized the sport, inspiring countless young footballers and elevating the standard of play.
• Team success: Messi has been instrumental in leading his teams to numerous titles, including multiple Champions League and World Cup triumphs.

The Arguments Against Messi

Critics of Messi’s repeated wins argue that:

• Bias towards European leagues: The award often favors players from the top European leagues, potentially overlooking talented players from other regions.
• Lack of competition: In some years, the competition for the award has been relatively weak, making it easier for Messi to win.
• Overemphasis on individual statistics: The award should also consider a player’s contribution to their team’s overall success and their impact on the game as a whole.

The Role of National Sentiment

National sentiment plays a significant role in the voting for the FIFA Best Award. Fans tend to vote for players from their own countries, which can sometimes influence the outcome. This is especially true when there are multiple players from the same nation nominated.

The Impact on Other Players

The constant association of the FIFA Best Award with Messi has led to questions about the recognition given to other deserving players. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé have all had exceptional careers, but they have often been overshadowed by Messi’s dominance.

The Future of the Award

The future of the FIFA Best Award is uncertain. As the game continues to evolve and new talents emerge, it will be interesting to see if the award can maintain its credibility. To address the criticisms, FIFA may need to consider changes to the voting process or the criteria for selection.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding Messi and the FIFA Best Award is likely to continue for years to come. While there is no doubt that Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time, the question of whether he has consistently been the best player in the world is a complex one. The award’s credibility depends on its ability to recognize and reward the true merits of all players, regardless of their nationality or club affiliation.

• Possible discussion points for further analysis: The impact of social media on voting for the awardThe role of coaches and captains in the voting processThe importance of collective achievements versus individual brillianceThe potential for a more inclusive award that recognizes players from a wider range of leagues and countries
• The impact of social media on voting for the award
• The role of coaches and captains in the voting process
• The importance of collective achievements versus individual brilliance
• The potential for a more inclusive award that recognizes players from a wider range of leagues and countries