Nominated for FIFA ‘The Best’, Lionel Messi Finds Loophole to Sit With Teammates Despite Not Being on the Argentina Team

Published 09/14/2023, 11:37 PM EDT

Many believed Lionel Messi would retire from the national team after winning the World Cup. Yet, he embraces every single match and moment with Argentina thereafter. In fact, he remains determined as he was and continues to play at the highest level. With the help of his teammates, the soccer legend won the World Cup but always led them from the front. For his efforts in Qatar, FIFA nominated him for the ‘Best Player’ award for 2023.

With his passion for his country unmatched, Messi found a loophole to sit on the bench with his teammates in their match against Bolivia. Ordinarily, in the event of a player’s injury or exclusion from the starting lineup, they do not accompany the team. But Messi always finds his way!

Lionel Messi finds a loophole to sit with Argentinean teammates!

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With injury troubles after the Ecuador match, Messi did not train or even start their game. Hence, one of his teammates, Nicolas Tagliafico, loved the gesture of their leader. According to TNT Sports, he signed a form as an assistant to be able to sit with his teammates. It showcases the player’s determination and, for those who think his national days are over, look away. The USA will host the 2026 World Cup, and Messi at Inter Miami could probably go win his second World Cup.

Tagliafico gave his flowers to Messi by praising their leader for the gesture. He stated, “That’s a bit of leadership too. He knew he wasn’t going to play, he wanted to be there, he wanted to accompany us and that shows what he is.” The first game against Ecuador saw them winning 1-0 courtesy of a stunning free-kick from Messi. In the match against Bolivia, Argentina comfortably ran as winners by scoring a 3-0 victory. Enzo Fernandez, Nicolás González, and even Tagliafico got into the act by scoring a goal.

Thus, the World Cup victory is fresh in everyone’s memories, and the reason they nominated Messi for the FIFA Best Player award speaks volumes.

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Can Messi win the record-breaking third award?

The sensational Argentinean continues to break records and play at a high level. FIFA acknowledged his greatness for his feats at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and nominated him for the award. If he wins this, it would be a record-breaking third award, beating the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo with two. Along with Messi, other talented players make the list.

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Kevin De Bruyne – Belgium, Manchester City
Julián Álvarez – Argentina, Manchester City
Marcelo Brozović – Croatia, Inter Milan/Al Nassr
Rodri – Spain, Manchester City
Ilkay Gundogan – Germany, Manchester City/Barcelona
Erling Haaland – Norway, Manchester City

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Georgia, Napoli
Kylian Mbappé – France, Paris Saint-Germain
Lionel Messi – Argentina, Paris Saint-Germain/Inter Miami
Bernardo Silva – Portugal, Manchester City
Victor Osimhen – Nigeria, Napoli
Declan Rice – England, West Ham/Arsenal

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Thus, there are chances for Erling Haaland to win his first, considering he won the treble and scored 52 goals. Fans cannot wait for the announcement of this year’s award. Do you think he will win?

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Written by:

Jacob Gijy is a senior sports writer at EssentiallySports, with a passion for writing about soccer, NBA, and other American sports. He has published over 1500 articles to date, showcasing his creativity and engaging writing style that captivates his audience. As an ardent admirer of Arsenal, Jacob's soccer roots can be traced back to the legendary Thierry Henry.

Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz

Nominated for FIFA ‘The Best’, Lionel Messi Finds Loophole to Sit With Teammates Despite Not Being on the Argentina Team

Lionel Messi finds a loophole to sit with Argentinean teammates!

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Can Messi win the record-breaking third award?