The Argentine superstar has been voted the finest footballer in the world by his peers, and another individual accolade will allow him to make even more history. Messi led Argentina to World Cup gold in 2022, earning him his eighth Ballon d’Or and his performance continues to influence votes in prominent polls.

Messi ended up tied on points with Manchester City ɑttɑϲker Erling Haaland in the FIFA Best vote, but he won thanks to more first-place votes from international team captains. Former Germany captain Matthaus believes such a position is ᴜnjᴜstified, telling Sky Deutschland: “He can’t be the winner this time.” I believe he was the best footballer of the last 20 years, but he has only won minor trophies in Paris and Miami, where he is currently generating buzz.

Matthaus, who won the World Cup and Ballon d’Or in 1990, went on to sɑy why Messi should have been overlooked this time around: “If you look at the great successes, there is no way past Manchester City and – when choosing the best player – Erling Haaland. He won the most important titles with Man City, his ꜱtгike rate was impressive. That should be decisive when you choose the best and most important player – and that was Haaland.”

Haaland helped City win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League treble in 2023, while Messi won his second Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain before leading Inter Miami to League Cup victory following his surprise move to the United States.