FIFA The Best 2024: Fans Agree One Player Who Deserved Nomination Over Lionel Messi

• Lionel Messi was included in the FIFA The Best award, but fans have heavily criticised that decision
• The Inter Miami star won the Copa America, but some felt other players deserved to get a nomination over him
• Messi has won the last two awards, but his recent wins have been met with criticism from fans

The FIFA Best Men's Player of the Year nominees for 2024 have been released, and there has been some controversy.

Inter Miami and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has been included and fans felt his teammate Lautaro Martinez deserved it more.

Players are rated based on their performances from August 21 2023, to August 10 2024.

Why Martinez deserved nomination over Messi

Messi was nominated for the award alongside the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Kylian Mbepper, and Erling Haaland.

Ten of the 11 nominees were nominated for the 2024 Ballon d"or, with Messi the only one that missed out.

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His inclusion in The Best award has raised a few eyebrows, with fans questioning the decision. Messi has won the last two FIFA The Best awards.

Many believe Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez deserved the award over his iconic teammate.

Martinez was one of the best players in Europe, especially last season for club and country. He registered 27 goals in 44 appearances for Inter and 11 goals for Argentina, per BeIn Sports.

The 27-year-old was instrumental in Inter's Scudetto triumph and Argentina's Copa America win. Fans argued that his total of 43 goals and assists in 54 matches and major trophies warranted a nomination.

Fans criticise Messi inclusion

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Messi's inclusion in the nominees for FIFA Best Forwards has caused a stir as fans have criticized football's governing body for the decision.

Aggrieved fans claimed the Inter Miami captain does not deserve to be on the list despite his numerous achievements in the outgoing year..

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Fans, national team captains, and media representatives will vote to decide the winners of the awards.

Messi speaks after MLS elimination

YEN.com.gh also reported that Messi has opened up on Inter Miami's exit from the MLS Cup despite being favourites to win the trophy.

Inter Miami, who have qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup, were booted out of the competition by Atlanta United.

Source: TUKO.co.ke