Lionel Messi Surprisingly Nominated For FIFA The Best Awards Alongside Rodri And Vinicius Jr, Cristiano Ronaldo Not Included

Lionel Messi, Argentina's legendary footballer, surprisingly was nominated for the FIFA The Best Men's Football Player in the world. Messi's inclusion in the nominees came as a huge surprise for many as the eight-time Ballon d'Or currently plays his football in the USA. Notably, Messi wasn't even in the top 30 shortlist for the Ballon d'Or shortlist but has shockingly made it to FIFA The Best shortlist.

Talking about the other candidates, Dani Carvajal, Florian Wirtz, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Rodri, and Vinicius Jr are some of the expected names on the list. It is to be noted that the period of consideration for the award is from 21st August 2023 to 10th August 2024. Messi is currently the captain of Inter Miami and plays in the Major League Soccer (MLS).



He has scored a total of 30 goals this year (for club and country) in 38 games. He also has 19 assists to his name this year Messi's only significant during the time period of award consideration was winning the Copa America with Argentina whereas he didn't win anything for his club Inter Miami during this time. Messi's long-term rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, doesn't feature in the list at all.

In 49 appearances for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr this year, Ronaldo scored a remarkable 49 goals and provided 7 assists. But, just like Messi, Ronaldo didn't win any significant title with his club during the period of The Best FIFA Men's Player Award consideration. The Best FIFA Men's Player nominees: Dani Carvajal - Real Madrid Erling Haaland - Manchester City Federico Valverde - Real Madrid Florian Wirtz - Bayer Leverkusen Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid Toni Kroos - Real Madrid Kylian Mbappe - PSG/Real Madrid Lamine Yamal - Barcelona Lionel Messi - Inter Miami Rodri - Manchester City Vinicius Jr.

- Real Madrid Despite a shocking entry in the nominees, Messi is unlikely to finish among the top three players when the name of the winner is announced. The recent Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, along with Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid are the top candidates.

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