The FIFA Best Awards ceremony has concluded and Lionel Messi has once again walked away with the ultimate prize. The Argentine maestro overcame tough competition, albeit with the help of a technicality over the likes of Erling Haaland & Kylian Mbappe. Just like his recent Ballon d’Or win, there has been a lot of debate and chatter. Some players who voted for the Argentine have been lashed out at for not thinking clearly. All chaos, in the ESPN newsrooms! Something that certainly won’t please the Messi fanbase.

Haaland & Mbappe did make the FIFA Best XI alongside Lionel Messi. With Messi completely out of Europe next year, perhaps the duo might be favoring their chances this time around.

Popular soccer pundits question the credibility of Messi’s FIFA The Best triumph, highlighting the MLS move

Craig Burley and Steve Nicol of ESPN FC didn’t seem to agree with the verdict of the FIFA Best. Former Chelsea man, Burley asked, “What’s he done in 2023, really he’s moved to Major League Soccer.” He also added, “Erling Haaland won the lot, didn’t he.” It seems this was Burley’s preferred choice of winner. Moreover, it was brought to his notice that players like Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, and others, including the likes of Mbappe, voted for the Inter Miami star. Burley didn’t seem amused and said, “They’re idiots, brain-dead.”

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Steve Nicol did pose an interesting question. He said, “I won that as well, but I wasn’t in the Balon d’Or for Top Coach of the Year.” It seems Steve Nicol is referring to how his US Open Cup win with the New England Revolution from the MLS didn’t earn any recognition, but Lionel Messi winning the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami has earned him all the plaudits.

It is worth noting that national team captains are the only players who can take part in the voting process. Others include national team coaches, journalists, and fans. While many pundits & fans seem to have wanted Haaland to emerge victorious, they would be shocked to know that Haaland lost despite receiving the same amount of points as Lionel Messi!

Explained: How Lionel Messi became ‘The Best’ despite not bettering Haaland

Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi had 48 points each. However, the Argentine walked away with the prize as he had more first-place votes from national team captains. For the FIFA Best Award, the voters can indicate their preference for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice. Yet, the most noteworthy vote could be that of Kylian Mbappe.

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The Frenchman, who was in the running for The Best along with the duo, voted for Lionel Messi as his first choice. Considering his disappointment in losing the FIFA World Cup Final to a Messi-led Argentina, the lethal striker’s choice is slightly surprising. Interestingly, the face of Inter Miami did not return the favor as he opted for Erling Haaland as his first winner’s pick.

What is your opinion on Craig Burley’s comments? Tell us below.

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