Lionel Messi has been crowned ‘The Best’ but not everyone stands by that decision. Some pundits and experts believe that Erling Haaland deserved the award. Considering his treble-winning exploits, it’s hard to go against the Norwegian. Hence, the blame has spilled on the national team captains who voted for the Argentine. An expert has blasted them for their choice. Yet another dig at the award’s credibility?

This is Lionel Messi’s second consecutive FIFA Best award after he was crowned last year following his FIFA World Cup exploits. Keeping that in mind, there are a lot more questions this time around.

‘Nonsense’ voting enrages popular pundit who ‘couldn’t believe it’

Janusz Michallik on ESPN FC just can’t come to grips with Lionel Messi bagging the award. The former USMNT star with 44 caps said, “I thought it was a little bit of a stretch last season, based on the entire year because he played such a vital role for Argentina, not just in winning it but obviously, his play alone uh we gave it to him. This year, I mean this is just crazy. I mean, I couldn’t believe it in a way and I think we’re used to this, right?”

It seems the pundit believed unlike the World Cup last year, Messi winning just the Ligue 1 and Leagues Cup is not worthy of him bagging such a major achievement. Michallik further didn’t hold back with his comments while taking a shot at certain national team captains, too.

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He further added, “I didn’t lose any sleep over it but I’ll tell you what. Everyone that voted for Messi to win it should be barred from voting ever again, really because that’s just nonsense.” It is worth noting that big names who voted for Lionel Messi include Mohamed Salah, Luka Modric, Kylian Mbappe, Robert Lewandowski, and more.

Besides Michallik, a lot more people have been vocal against FIFA’s decision, with one prominent voice being that of Cristiano Ronaldo’s close pal. Yet, why is there such a big fuss regarding Lionel Messi’s victory?

Explained: The outrage behind Lionel Messi’s controversial triumph

For starters, the Inter Miami ace did not have the best of numbers, having scored just 24 goals in the stipulated period. This pales in comparison to his competitor, Haaland, who both scored more than 50 goals. Moreover, many of Messi’s goals came in the MLS, which is regarded as inferior to the European leagues.

As reported by ‘Sports Illustrated’, journalists voted overwhelmingly in favor of Erling Haaland. But Messi was a clear favorite among national team captains. But did you know Messi himself voted for Haaland ahead of former teammate Mbappe and Argentine team-member Julian Alvarez?

Neymar Denies Voting For Lionel Messi in FIFA The Best Men’s Award 2023

Messi is influential in his own right. He was voted in the Ligue 1 team of the year and played a key role in helping Inter Miami lift its first major title in their history. Moreover, the Argentine currently plays much deeper, like a playmaking midfielder, compared to Haaland.

Hence, judging him purely on output might turn out to be a serious matter of discussion among the fans. Also, Messi’s victory was a slender one. Haaland & Messi had the same number of points (48)! It was the higher number of first-place votes that sealed the win for the Argentine icon.

Did Lionel Messi deserve to be crowned ‘The Best’? Tell us your views in the comments below.

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