Can Lionel Messi lose anything? How did Messi win the Best FIFA Men’s Player?

The recent controversy surrounding the FIFA Best Award has stirred discussions within the football community. While Lionel Messi's triumph in the voting process has sparked debates, it's essential to objectively examine the criteria and events leading up to the decision.

Notably, Messi, who has been relatively silent on the matter, has not made any public statements regarding the award. This lack of expression leaves fans and pundits speculating about his sentiments surrounding the outcome.

To delve into the details, the award's evaluation period spans from December 19th, 2022, to August 20th, 2023. However, the World Cup final, a significant event, occurred on December 18th, falling just outside this timeframe. Messi's individual achievements during this period include securing one trophy with PSG, the League's Cup, contrasting with Erling Haaland's impressive performance, clinching the Premier League with 52 goals.

On a statistical basis, one could argue that Haaland's raw numbers surpass Messi's achievements during the specified period. However, the controversy arises when considering the tiebreaker, which is determined by national team captains' votes. Real Madrid players, notably supporting Messi, add a poetic twist to the narrative.

The FIFA Best Award relies on votes from national team captains, coaches, media, and fans worldwide. A closer look at the votes reveals interesting patterns, with Luka Modric and Federico Valverde among those who favoured Messi. The recognition from fellow professionals sheds light on the respect Messi commands within the football fraternity.

Despite Haaland's exceptional accomplishments, there seems to be an intangible factor at play when it comes to Messi. The perception of Messi's continuous greatness, irrespective of the specific timeframe in question, appears to influence the voting process. Captains such as Harry Kane and Virgil van Dijk, while recognizing Haaland's achievements, may attribute a certain aura to Messi that transcends statistics.

The controversy extends to statements made by figures like John Obi Mikel, asserting that Messi did more in 2010, emphasizing the enduring impact of Messi's legacy. While acknowledging Haaland's accolades, there's a sentiment that Messi's influence extends beyond mere on-field achievements.

In conclusion, the FIFA Best Award controversy highlights the intricacies of evaluating football greatness. Messi's win, despite statistical comparisons, reflects the intangible impact he has on the game. Whether one prioritizes individual achievements or a player's enduring legacy, the debate surrounding Messi vs. Haaland adds an intriguing layer to the footballing narrative. Ultimately, personal preferences and perspectives will shape opinions on the fairness of Messi's victory.