If controversial, achieves FIFA's intended effect by those scheming individuals.

Sona59

Hi everyone~Today, there's some news that got me thinking, so I'd like to share it with you. A few days ago, FIFA awarded the Best FIFA Men's Player, and Messi won the award, sparking dissatisfaction among many fans. Initially, I was puzzled too—shouldn't winning the World Cup elevate him to the pinnacle of football? So, what's the issue with Messi winning the award?

After doing some research, I discovered the controversial reasons. Mainly, I haven't been keeping up with the news recently, so it makes sense that Messi's win is contentious. The primary reason is the award itself, called the Best FIFA Men's Player, is based on performances in 2023, while the World Cup took place in 2022 and should not be considered in the recent evaluation criteria. Messi's performance in 2023 is relatively mediocre, with only a French league title, CONCACAF Champions League title, and personal stats of 20 goals and 20 assists.

On the other hand, the second-place winner, Haaland, secured five major trophies: UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FA Cup. He also claimed three Golden Shoes for topping the goal-scoring charts in the Premier League, Champions League, and Europe. Throughout the year, he scored 50 goals, outshining Messi in both team achievements and personal statistics. Hence, the controversy arises. Some mockingly suggest that if Messi can win the award based on his 2022 World Cup performance, then maybe he should receive the 2023 award in 2077. The evaluation criteria seem confusing.

Controversy over individual honors is normal. Messi and Ronaldo faced disputes when they won Ballon d'Or in their youth. Nowadays, awards like the Best FIFA Men's Player, which is less prestigious than the Ballon d'Or, are prone to controversy and often used for showmanship or creating narratives. Personally, I don't place much importance on these awards anymore. They are often a form of entertainment for creating sensational outcomes, sometimes fair, sometimes not, meeting their desired show effects.

Moreover, I believe Messi is no longer concerned about winning the Best FIFA Men's Player. He has already won six, and adding another doesn't hold the same significance as winning another World Cup. So, regardless of the controversy, it's meaningless because I think Messi himself doesn't care about this award anymore. Therefore, this controversy is just a product of FIFA's attempt to create a sensation. After so many years, we should see through their style~~

Isha000

I think the FIFA Men's Player has long been a joke.....

Janak9955

Messi himself is surprised, it feels like the FIFA Men's Player of the Year award has also lost its prestige...

Ritu13

In the past, I might have paid attention to the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards. However, later on, I came to the same conclusion as the author – their prestige has become diluted. So, they have become essentially meaningless.

Yamini003

I don't think Messi should receive this award.

977Iti

Indeed! I agree with what you said – these awards ultimately turn into a 'show'! It's like many programs where it seems like there are predetermined winners...