Having won La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, and the European Super Cup with Real Madrid this year, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/vinicius">Vinicius Junior</a> earned FIFA’s The Best 2024 award, recognizing him as the most outstanding player of the year. However, a 1990 World Cup winner with Germany expressed a different opinion, comparing Vini unfavorably to Neymar.



“For me, he’s the second Neymar,” Lothar Matthaus said of Vinicius during an interview with Bild after the FIFA awards ceremony. “Vini Jr. has great finishing, speed—everything is world-class—but his behavior is on the wrong path… Neymar is the wrong role model.”



Matthaus drew comparisons between Vinicius and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/neymar">Neymar</a>, highlighting their immense talent while criticizing their behavior on and off the pitch. “He incites the crowd, gets into fights with opponents, and provokes with gestures,” Matthaus remarked about Vini, suggesting such actions detract from his professionalism.



The 63-year-old former Bayern Munich star also offered advice for the Real Madrid winger to fully realize his potential. “Vini Jr. needs to mature. He has the skills and the club to become a world-class footballer,” Matthaus explained. “He’s a super talent, but like Neymar, he gets in his own way.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241218_BUS_296189_Matthaus-1024x576_7bc9e030.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lothar Matthaus at the victory celebration on the pitch with the World Cup trophy, after FIFA World Cup 1990 Final in Italy." class="wp-image-296191" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18170336/Matthaus-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18170336/Matthaus-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18170336/Matthaus-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18170336/Matthaus-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18170336/Matthaus-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18170336/Matthaus-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18170336/Matthaus-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18170336/Matthaus.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lothar Matthaus at the victory celebration on the pitch with the World Cup trophy, after FIFA World Cup 1990 Final in Italy.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Disagreement with FIFA’s decision</h2>



Just a few weeks ago, Rodri was named the best player of the season by France Football Magazine, edging out Vinicius Junior, who finished as the runner-up. However, FIFA’s voting reversed the outcome, awarding Vinicius the prestigious <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/the-best">The Best</a> trophy instead.



In addition to criticizing the behavior of both Vinicius and Neymar, Lothar Matthaus voiced his disagreement with FIFA’s decision to honor Vinicius. Instead, he sided with France Football’s choice. “For me, Rodri was the right choice for the Ballon d’Or. He has more charisma, more intelligence,” the former Bayern Munich star stated.


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<h2>Matthaus’ legacy gives weight to his words</h2>



As one of the most decorated players in soccer history, Lothar Matthaus brings considerable authority to his opinions. A standout figure for over two decades, he excelled at Bayern Munich during two stints (1984–1988 and 1992–2000) and had a successful spell at Inter Milan in between.



Matthaus represented Germany in five <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cups</a>, famously captaining his team to victory in 1990. He also won the European Championship in 1980 with the national team. 



His versatility allowed him to thrive both as a midfielder and later as a sweeper, earning him the Ballon d’Or in 1990. Even Argentine legend Diego Maradona once praised Matthaus, saying, “He is the best rival I’ve ever had. I guess that’s enough to define him.”

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On Tuesday, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/fifa">FIFA</a> awarded The Best 2024 honors to the most outstanding players of the past year, with Vinicius Junior emerging as the big winner. The winger claimed the prestigious award for the first time in his career, in recognition of his exceptional performances with both Real Madrid and the Brazil national team.



Following the ceremony, Vini shared a heartfelt message on his official Instagram account, expressing his gratitude for the recognition and his joy at achieving this milestone. However, he also took the opportunity to send a strong message to those who have criticized him in recent times.



“VENI, VIDI, VICI” (“I came, I saw, I won,”) <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/vinicius">Vinicius</a> began, quoting the famous words of Roman general Julius Caesar. “Today I’m writing to that little boy who has seen so many idols lift that trophy – his time has come. Or rather, my time has come. The time to say… yes, I’m the best player in the world and I’ve fought hard for it.”



After expressing his personal satisfaction at reaching the pinnacle of world soccer, Vini turned his focus to those who have criticized him over the years. “They’ve tried and tried to invalidate me, to diminish me,” he stated firmly. “But they’re not ready. No one is going to tell me who I should fight for, how I should behave.”



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid">Real Madrid</a> star also reflected on the tough times he faced growing up in Brazil, which helped shape his character. “When I was in Sao Goncalo, the system didn’t care about me. I was almost swallowed up,” he recalled, underscoring the challenges that made him stronger and more resilient.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241217_BUS_295115_Vinicius-IG-1024x576_5986eec7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Vinicius Junior shares a message on social media after winning The Best award 2024." class="wp-image-295268" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17155332/Vinicius-IG-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17155332/Vinicius-IG-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17155332/Vinicius-IG-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17155332/Vinicius-IG-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17155332/Vinicius-IG-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17155332/Vinicius-IG-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17155332/Vinicius-IG-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17155332/Vinicius-IG.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Vinicius Junior shares a message on social media after winning The Best award 2024.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Vinicius thanks those who helped him</h2>



In the final part of his message, Vinicius Junior made it clear that his achievement was not just the result of his talent and hard work, but the support he received along the way.



“I won for myself, for my family. With a lot of support along the way: Flamengo, Real Madrid, the Brazilian national team, my hundreds of teammates over the years... the people who accompany me every day in my routine, those who admire me…” he said, before closing with a powerful declaration: “THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD.”


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<h2>A closed wound for Vinicius?</h2>



Vinicius Junior posted his powerful message on social media shortly after receiving <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/the-best">The Best</a> award in Doha, Qatar. The Instagram post quickly went viral, amassing over 2.4 million likes within an hour and nearly 85,000 comments, with fans and colleagues congratulating him and sharing in his joy.



With this victory and the message that followed, it seems that he has finally closed a chapter in his career. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/real-madrid-star-vinicius-junior-breaks-silence-on-2024-ballon-dor-snub">The sting of not winning the Ballon d’Or just months earlier, where Vinicius finished second behind Manchester City’s Rodri</a>, was clearly painful. The disappointment was made worse by the criticism he and his teammates faced for choosing not to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony, knowing he wouldn’t win the top prize.



Now, with The Best award in hand and the honor of being named the best player on the planet, Vinicius enters a new phase in his career, one marked by recognition for his consistent excellence on the field.

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Vinicius shares emotional message after winning The Best award, confronts critics with strong words

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a> holds the distinction of being the top winner of FIFA’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/the-best" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Best</a> award. Since the split between France Football and FIFA, Messi has claimed the prestigious honor three times: in 2019, 2022, and 2023. However, in 2024, for the first time in his career, Messi finished outside the top 5, ranking 6th.



The last time Messi failed to make the top three was in 2018. Despite having one of his most statistically impressive seasons that year, scoring 45 goals and providing 20 assists in 54 matches, Messi finished 5th. In 2018, Mohamed Salah won The Best award, having scored 27 goals and provided 10 assists in 52 games. Statistically, Messi outperformed the Egyptian, but the award is not solely about individual brilliance, it also considers team success.



Salah’s victory was propelled by his leading role in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph, where he was not only the top scorer but also the standout player. In contrast, Messi and Barcelona suffered a heart-breaking defeat in the semifinals at the hands of the Reds, who mounted an incredible comeback to score four goals and advance. This followed Barcelona’s own stunning elimination the previous year by Roma, who also overcame a three-goal deficit in the quarterfinals.



In 2024, Messi finished 6th in the vote. With his move to MLS, many speculated his chances for future accolades would diminish due to a perceived drop in performance. However, Messi still managed an impressive 23 goals and 13 assists during the season, although it was much lower than his past seasons. But the winner, Vinicius Jr, is having the best season of his career despite only scoring 24 goals and 11 assists.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241217_BUS_294762_messi-5-1-1024x576_9d397a9f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="lionel messi smiles" class="wp-image-281751" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/messi-5-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/messi-5-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/messi-5-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/messi-5-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/messi-5-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/messi-5-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/messi-5-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/messi-5-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami looks on before the match against Atlanta United</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How many times has Lionel Messi been nominated for FIFA The Best?</h2>



Aside from holding the record for the most Ballon d’Or awards in history, Lionel Messi also boasts the most nominations for The Best <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/fifa">FIFA</a> Men’s Player award. Since the award’s inception in 2016, the Argentine icon has been nominated every year. Moreover, Messi has been included in the shortlist for 7 of the 9 editions of The Best awards that have been held.


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In addition to his first-place finishes, Messi secured second place in 2016, 2017, and 2021, while earning third place in 2020. His consistent presence among the top contenders underscores his unparalleled impact on the sport. At 37 years old, Messi continues to rank among the top 10 in The Best awards, a testament to his enduring greatness.

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The ceremony for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/fifa">FIFA</a>’s annual The Best awards took place this Tuesday, recognizing the top performers from both club and international soccer over the past twelve months. The standout winner of the night was Vinicius Junior, who claimed the prestigious honor thanks to his stellar displays with Real Madrid in 2024. With this victory, the Brazilian joins a select list of past winners, including legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.



For <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/vinicius">Vinicius</a>, this marks his first major individual accolade of such significance, especially after a controversial defeat in the Ballon d’Or race to Rodri. The Real Madrid star becomes only the fifth player in history to win The Best award since its inception in 2016, following the split between FIFA and France Football, the organizers of the Ballon d’Or.



Vini now shares this honor with Luka Modric, who won The Best in 2018 while representing both Real Madrid and Croatia. Robert Lewandowski, on the other hand, has won the award twice—first in 2020 and again in 2021.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> was the inaugural recipient of The Best in 2016, a year in which he dominated European soccer by winning the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid and the European Championship with Portugal. He went on to repeat his success the following year, both times finishing ahead of Lionel Messi, who took second place.



However, the Argentine star bided his time and eventually claimed his revenge. In 2019, after a remarkable year with Barcelona, Messi won his first The Best award. He added a second in 2022, following his crowning achievement: winning the World Cup with Argentina and ending a 36-year drought for his country. The following year, Leo added a third trophy to his collection, thanks in part to his dazzling performances in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. With this win, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Messi</a> became the most decorated player in the award’s history.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241217_BUS_294704_Cristiano-Ronaldo-The-Best-1024x576_f5dfe7a5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="FIFA Awards Ceremony - Best Men s Player - Zurich, Switzerland - 09 01 17. Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with the award. " class="wp-image-294712" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17135933/Cristiano-Ronaldo-The-Best-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17135933/Cristiano-Ronaldo-The-Best-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17135933/Cristiano-Ronaldo-The-Best-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17135933/Cristiano-Ronaldo-The-Best-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17135933/Cristiano-Ronaldo-The-Best-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17135933/Cristiano-Ronaldo-The-Best-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17135933/Cristiano-Ronaldo-The-Best-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/17135933/Cristiano-Ronaldo-The-Best.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>FIFA Awards Ceremony – Best Men s Player – Zurich, Switzerland – 09 01 17. Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with the award. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Vinicius shines with Real Madrid</h2>



Vinicius Junior has long been considered one of the most promising talents in world soccer. Over the years, he has grown into a key player for Real Madrid, playing a pivotal role in the club’s success. However, questions about his place among the sport’s elite had lingered—until 2024.



This year, Vini was the undisputed star of a Real Madrid team that dominated almost every competition it entered. The Spanish giants claimed the 2023/24 La Liga title with a commanding lead, also adding the Spanish Super Cup to their trophy haul. On the European stage, Vinicius was instrumental in Real Madrid’s triumph in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League, where they beat 2-0 Borussia Dortmund in the final. That victory set up a European Super Cup clash with Atalanta, the UEFA Europa League champions, a match that ended in another 2-0 win for Madrid.



By the end of 2024, Vini had delivered a stunning individual performance, scoring 33 goals in 58 games across all competitions, placing him among the top 25 scorers globally. While most of these goals came for Real Madrid, Vinicius’s next challenge is to replicate this form on the international stage with the Brazilian national team, where he has yet to achieve the same level of consistency.


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<h2>How did Messi and Ronaldo fare at The Best 2024 awards?</h2>



Despite being the most decorated player in the history of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/the-best">The Best</a> award and the reigning champion, Lionel Messi had a disappointing showing at the 2024 ceremony. He was ranked sixth, behind not only Vinicius Junior but also Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Daniel Carvajal, and Lamine Yamal.



Cristiano Ronaldo fared even worse. Although his goalscoring feats with Al-Nassr and Portugal were impressive, they weren’t enough to secure him a spot among the top ten candidates. Ronaldo was excluded from the list of the year’s most outstanding players, a similar snub he had faced at the Ballon d’Or.

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On Thursday, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/fifa">FIFA</a> revealed the nominees for The Best 2024 awards, which honor the year’s top soccer players worldwide, across both men’s and women’s categories. Lionel Messi has made the shortlist to receive the main award, while Cristiano Ronaldo was notably excluded, only being nominated for a minor category.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Messi</a> has been selected as a finalist for the 2024 FIFA Men’s Footballer of the Year award, thanks to his standout performances with both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. However, the competition is fierce, with other prominent stars such as Rodri (the recent Ballon d’Or winner), Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland also in the running.



Lionel Messi stands out as the only player to have been a finalist for The Best award every year since its inception in 2016. He has also claimed the honor three times, the most by any player, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski, who each have two.



In contrast, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Ronaldo</a> finds himself absent from the World Player of the Year shortlist for the third consecutive year. Instead, the Al-Nassr forward has been nominated for a spot in the Ideal XI of 2024. He is one of the 22 attackers eligible, a category in which Messi is, of course, also nominated.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241129_BUS_282638_Messi-The-Best-1024x576_ccdc998c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="An award accepted by Lionel Messi on stage during the Best FIFA Football Awards in Paris" class="wp-image-282643" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Messi-The-Best-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Messi-The-Best-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Messi-The-Best-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Messi-The-Best-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Messi-The-Best-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Messi-The-Best-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Messi-The-Best-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Messi-The-Best.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>An award accepted by Lionel Messi on stage during the Best FIFA Football Awards in Paris</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Finalists for The Best 2024:</h2>



Lionel Messi (Argentina, Inter Miami)



Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)



Kylian Mbappe (France, Paris Saint-Germain-Real Madrid)



Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)



Vinicius Jr. (Brazil, Real Madrid)



Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)



Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)



Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)



Julian Alvarez (Argentina, Manchester City-Atletico Madrid)



Mohammed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool)



Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium, Manchester City)



<h2>Other awards at The Best 2024</h2>



In addition to the prestigious Best Player of the Year award, FIFA will present honors across several other key categories. For Best Coach, the frontrunners include Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni, and Spain’s Luis de la Fuente. In the Best Goalkeeper category, Emiliano Martinez remains a strong contender, with notable competition from Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid, among others.



Moreover, FIFA will announce the Ideal Lineup of the Year, selecting the top players for each position on the field from a list of pre-established finalists. Other awards include the Best Fans prize, the Fair Play Award, and the Puskas Award for the best goal of 2024. Each of these categories also has a female counterpart, celebrating the achievements in women’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer">soccer</a>.


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<h2>Voting system for The Best</h2>



FIFA’s voting process for The Best awards is based on a mixed voting system. The four primary voting channels—each carrying equal weight—are: national team captains, national team coaches, media representatives, and fans.



However, there are a few exceptions. The Best Fans award will be determined exclusively by public votes. The Fair Play Award will be selected by a panel of experts, while the Puskas Goal of the Year Award (along with its female equivalent, the Marta Award) will be decided through a combination of public voting and input from a FIFA Legends Panel.

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Only a few months after emerging victorious in the Ballon d’Or, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> once again beat <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/erling-haaland">Erling Haaland</a> to win <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/the-best">The Best FIFA</a> award for 2023. The Argentine star and the Norwegian striker finished tied with 48 scoring points each, but Messi got the upper hand for having more first-choice votes from national team captains.



Since the 36-year-old had already been honored for the 2022 World Cup and this ceremony rewarded a player’s performances only in 2023, many were shocked to see Haaland leave empty-handed again. Former German international Lothar Matthaus, for instance, looked unhappy with the result.



“He can’t be the winner this time. I think he was the best footballer of the last 20 years, but he has been in Paris and Miami, where he is now creating a hype, and not won any major titles,” the 1990 World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner told Sky Deutschland, via Goal.



Messi made a big decision by leaving Europe for MLS last year, joining <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami">Inter Miami</a> in July 2023. He made an immediate impact off the field but also on it, winning the Leagues Cup with the Herons. Before that, Messi celebrated the Ligue 1 title with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/psg">PSG</a>. Matthaus, however, pointed out that Haaland won the treble (domestic league, UEFA Champions League, and domestic cup) while playing at a high level for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/manchester-city">Manchester City</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240118_BUS_98804_Haaland-and-Messi-1024x576_357979ce.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Haaland and Messi" class="wp-image-77375" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Haaland-and-Messi-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Haaland-and-Messi-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Haaland-and-Messi-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Haaland-and-Messi-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Haaland-and-Messi.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Haaland and Messi</figcaption></figure>



“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 strike rate was impressive. That should be be decisive when you choose the best and most important player – and that was Haaland.”


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<h2>Messi, Haaland have yet to play in 2024</h2>



Both Messi and Haaland have yet to take part in an official game this year, even though the season is well underway for Manchester City. While Inter Miami have recently started preseason for the 2024 campaign, the Norwegian sensation has been out due to a foot injury.



Haaland hasn’t played since December 6, 2023, when he took part in the Premier League match between the Citizens and Aston Villa. The striker suffered a setback in his recovery, which is why he’s still waiting to play his first official game in 2024.



This will be an interesting year for both stars, with Messi expected to play in MLS, Leagues Cup, Concachampions, and Copa America; whereas Haaland has more Premier League and Champions League fixtures upon him.

Former Ballon d'Or winner blasts Messi, says Haaland deserved The Best award

Messi beating Haaland for The Best upsets a former Ballon d'Or winner - Bolavip US

Former Ballon d'Or winner believes Erling Haaland deserved The Best over Lionel Messi

Alf-Inge Haaland, father of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/manchester-city" rel="sponsored nofollow">Manchester City</a> striker Erling, was in attendance at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/the-best">The Best FIFA</a> awards when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> was announced as the winner in the men’s player category for 2023.



The cameras immediately captured Alfie as soon as the decision was revealed, and his reaction, moving his eyebrows in an apparent sign of surprise, gave a lot to talk about on social media. However, the former soccer player later showed no frustration with the result. 



“We had no idea (who would win). I was invited by FIFA to come. I think no one knew, except for them themselves. There are many good players nominated. Just being nominated is an honor for Erling,” Alfie Haaland told Spanish radio Cadena SER.



Messi and Haaland <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/fifa-explains-why-messi-won-the-best-despite-being-tied-on-points-with-haaland-20240115-BUS-98104.html">finished tied on 48 scoring points</a>, but the Argentine got the upper hand for having more first-choice votes from national team captains. Last year, Haaland also finished behind Messi in the 2023 Ballon d’Or.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240117_BUS_98510_erlinghaaland-1-1024x576_4c99cd70.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Erling Haaland looks on during a Manchester City." class="wp-image-91071" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/erlinghaaland-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/erlinghaaland-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/erlinghaaland-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/erlinghaaland-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/erlinghaaland-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Erling Haaland looks on during a Manchester City.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Alfie Haaland speaks about his son’s injury and future plans</h2>



Alfie Haaland didn’t have much to say about The Best results, but he did take time to give an update on his son’s status. Erling has been on the sidelines for more than a month now, having suffered a foot injury in the Premier League game against Aston Villa on December 6.


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“He is getting better and better,” Alfie said about the Man City striker. “He has been out since December, but I think he is coming back now in January. He is abroad, training and trying to get in shape.”



The former Norway international, who also played for the Sky Blues, made it clear his son is happy at the Etihad Stadium, suggesting he’s not even thinking about playing elsewhere.



“He is very happy,” Alfie Haaland said. “He is playing for a great team, winning several trophies, they achieved the Treble and became world champions. He has a long contract with City and is very happy there.”

Alfie Haaland's reaction to FIFA giving The Best 2023 award to Messi

Erling Haaland's father reacts to Lionel Messi receiving The Best FIFA 2023 - Bolavip US

Erling Haaland's father Alfie reacts to Lionel Messi winning The Best FIFA 2023

Another edition of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/the-best">FIFA’s The Best</a> awards has taken place, with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> taking home his third award. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, on the other hand, didn’t even come close to finishing on the podium.



The Portuguese superstar was overlooked even by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a>‘s representatives, with neither Pepe nor Roberto Martinez casting a vote for the 38-year-old striker. While the defender voted on the country’s behalf as the national team captain, Martinez voted as Portugal’s coach.



Pepe also snubbed Messi though, choosing fellow countryman Bernardo Silva as his first option, followed by Erling Haaland and Victor Osimhen. Martinez, meanwhile, named Marcelo Brozovic in the first place, with Silva and Messi completing his podium. Additionally, Victor Serpa, the Portuguese journalist who voted on the country’s behalf, chose Haaland, De Bruyne, and Silva (in that order).



The first vote gives the player in question five points, whereas the second gets three and the third just one. Despite finishing tied with Haaland on overall scoring points, Messi got the upper hand for having more first-choice nominations by national team captains.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240116_BUS_98248_Ronaldo-1024x576_8ba537e9.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al Nassr." class="wp-image-88139" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Ronaldo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Ronaldo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Ronaldo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Ronaldo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Ronaldo.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al Nassr.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Ronaldo’s 2023 goes overlooked</h2>



Ronaldo made a bold decision by leaving Europe last year, joining Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr in January 2023. The veteran star settled in perfectly in Riyadh, though, scoring an impressive 54 goals throughout the year.


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Even so, neither his international performances with the Portuguese national team nor his club appearances in the Saudi Pro League seemed to enough to get him recognition from world soccer.



Ronaldo was not even included in the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or last year, before being snubbed from the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World 11 — the governing body’s Team of the Year — at The Best awards.

Cristiano Ronaldo completely snubbed by Portugal at The Best FIFA 2023 awards

Cristiano Ronaldo gets no votes from Portugal at The Best FIFA 2023 - Bolavip US

FIFA The Best 2023: Cristiano Ronaldo gets no votes from Portugal's representatives

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/luka-modric" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luka Modric</a> is not the favorite player among <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> fans nowadays. The midfielder’s revelation of voting for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a> in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/the-best" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Best</a> <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/fifa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FIFA</a> 2023 has left the Merengues furious with their own player.



FIFA has crowned Lionel Messi as the best player of 2023. Captains, coaches, media, and fans collectively bestowed this recognition, adding another individual award to the Argentine forward’s illustrious career.



One of the players who voted for Messi as the best player is Luka Modric, the captain of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/croatia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Croatia</a>. However, Real Madrid fans are not very happy with his decision, severely judging him for supporting the former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/barcelona" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a> forward.



<h2>Luka Modric receives high criticism for voting Messi in The Best 2023</h2>



Lionel Messi has secured yet another individual award. The captain of Argentina was honored as The Best of 2023, a recognition where players, fans, coaches, and media collectively choose the standout player throughout the entire year.


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National team captains submit a list of three names each for the top coaches and players. FIFA employs this voting method to enhance fairness, allowing those deeply involved in soccer to choose the best representatives of the sport.



Luka Modric, Real Madrid’s midfielder, took on the responsibility of submitting Croatia’s vote as the captain of the national team. While players from the country contribute to the selection, the captain serves as the representative for FIFA.



Unfortunately for Modric, his compatriots voted for a former Barcelona player: Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward claimed the top spot on the list, followed by Rodri in second place and Marcelo Brozovic in third.



Even though Modric was not the only Croatian to vote, Real Madrid fans are furious with him. On social media, they slammed the midfielder for supporting Messi, and some even want him to leave the club because of it.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="599" height="115" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240115_BUS_98141_MODRIC1_de1b3b1e.webp&amp;width=599&amp;height=115" alt="Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023" class="wp-image-98158" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC1.jpg 599w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC1-300x58.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 599px) 100vw, 599px"></figure><figcaption>Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="600" height="111" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240115_BUS_98141_MODRIC2_483f4064.webp&amp;width=600&amp;height=111" alt="Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023" class="wp-image-98157" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC2.jpg 600w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC2-300x56.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></figure><figcaption>Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="595" height="96" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240115_BUS_98141_MODRIC3_269a256d.webp&amp;width=595&amp;height=96" alt="Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023" class="wp-image-98156" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC3.jpg 595w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC3-300x48.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 595px) 100vw, 595px"></figure><figcaption>Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="598" height="97" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240115_BUS_98141_MODRIC4_32160bbf.webp&amp;width=598&amp;height=97" alt="Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023" class="wp-image-98155" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC4.jpg 598w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC4-300x49.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 598px) 100vw, 598px"></figure><figcaption>Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="596" height="97" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240115_BUS_98141_MODRIC5_a85eefc5.webp&amp;width=596&amp;height=97" alt="Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023" class="wp-image-98154" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC5.jpg 596w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC5-300x49.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 596px) 100vw, 596px"></figure><figcaption>Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="596" height="102" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240115_BUS_98141_MODRIC6_5ef947af.webp&amp;width=596&amp;height=102" alt="Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023" class="wp-image-98153" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC6.jpg 596w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC6-300x51.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 596px) 100vw, 596px"></figure><figcaption>Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="594" height="118" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240115_BUS_98141_MODRIC7_2c8ad307.webp&amp;width=594&amp;height=118" alt="Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023" class="wp-image-98152" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC7.jpg 594w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC7-300x60.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></figure><figcaption>Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="588" height="94" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240115_BUS_98141_MODRIC8_b4b9e325.webp&amp;width=588&amp;height=94" alt="Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023" class="wp-image-98151" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC8.jpg 588w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC8-300x48.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px"></figure><figcaption>Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="595" height="133" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240115_BUS_98141_MODRIC9_9032e7d3.webp&amp;width=595&amp;height=133" alt="Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023" class="wp-image-98150" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC9.jpg 595w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC9-300x67.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 595px) 100vw, 595px"></figure><figcaption>Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="594" height="100" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240115_BUS_98141_MODRIC10_80dd7ef2.webp&amp;width=594&amp;height=100" alt="Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023" class="wp-image-98149" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC10.jpg 594w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/MODRIC10-300x51.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></figure><figcaption>Real Madrid fans judging Luka Modric for voting Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA 2023</figcaption></figure>



Federico Valverde, the captain of Uruguay, also faced severe judgment from Real Madrid fans as Lionel Messi topped his list too. It is evident that the Merengues haven’t forgotten Messi’s time at Barcelona and the intense rivalry with the Blaugranas.



<h2>Why did Lionel Messi win The Best 2023 when he was tied with Erling Haaland?</h2>



Lionel Messi and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/erling-haaland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Erling Haaland</a> both secured 48 points in The Best 2023. Captains and fans deemed the Argentine the best, while the Norwegian won the hearts of coaches and the media.





The tiebreaker to determine the winner relied on the number of five-point scores, awarded by men’s national team captains. Messi secured a total of 107, surpassing Haaland who had 64.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="65a5be9a355a85755992a2b3" data-title="Who should have won The Best 2023?" data-options="4"></div>

Real Madrid fans slam Modric on social media for voting Messi in The Best FIFA 2023

Messi\&#039;s last-second decision proves Haaland could win \&#039;The Best\&#039;

Haaland still waiting: The only players who won The Best apart from Messi, Ronaldo

FIFA The Best 2023: Players and coaches who did not vote for Lionel Messi

Real Madrid fans slam Modric for voting Messi in The Best FIFA 2023 - Bolavip US

Real Madrid fans slam Modric for voting Messi in The Best FIFA 2023

Furious Real Madrid fans slam Modric for voting Messi in The Best FIFA 2023

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> will have to make room for another award in his trophy cabinet. The Argentine star who plays for Inter Miami has won his third <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/the-best">The Best</a> award by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/fifa">FIFA</a>, this time for his performances in 2023.



Even though he <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/fifa-explains-why-messi-won-the-best-despite-being-tied-on-points-with-haaland-20240115-BUS-98104.html">finished tied with Erling Haaland</a> (both got 48 scoring points), Messi got the upper hand for having more first-choice nominations from national team captains.



While Messi received 107 “five-point scores” from the captains’ vote, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/haaland-still-waiting-the-only-players-who-won-the-best-apart-from-messi-ronaldo-20240115-BUS-98068.html">Haaland</a> got 64. Even so, it was a tight vote as many players and coaches did not pick Messi as their first option for The Best men’s player in 2023.



<h2>Captains who didn’t vote for Messi</h2>



<ul><li>Afghanistan</li><li>Algeria</li><li>American Samoa</li><li>Armenia</li><li>Austria</li><li>Azerbaijan</li><li>Belarus</li><li>Benin</li><li>Bermuda</li><li>Bhutan</li><li>Bolivia</li><li>Botswana</li><li>Brazil</li><li>Brunei Darussalam</li><li>Bulgaria</li><li>Burkina Faso</li><li>Burundi</li><li>Cameroon</li><li>Cayman Islands</li><li>Congo</li><li>Costa Rica</li><li>Côte d’Ivoire</li><li>Cuba</li><li>Czechia</li><li>Dominica</li><li>El Salvador</li><li>Eritrea</li><li>Ethiopia</li><li>Gabon</li><li>Germany</li><li>Ghana</li><li>Gibraltar</li><li>Guinea</li><li>Guinea-Bissau</li><li>Guyana</li><li>Hong Kong, China</li><li>Hungary</li><li>Iceland</li><li>India</li><li>IR Iran</li><li>Iraq</li><li>Japan</li><li>Jordan</li><li>Kazakhstan</li><li>Kosovo</li><li>Kuwait</li><li>Kyrgyz Republic</li><li>Laos</li><li>Lesotho</li><li>Liberia</li><li>Libya</li><li>Lithuana</li><li>Luxembourg</li><li>Macau</li><li>Malawi</li><li>Malaysia</li><li>Maldives</li><li>Mali</li><li>Mauritius</li><li>Moldova</li><li>Mongolia</li><li>Montserrat</li><li>Morocco</li><li>Myanmar</li><li>Namibia</li><li>New Caledonia</li><li>New Zealand</li><li>Nicaragua</li><li>Niger</li><li>Nigeria</li><li>North Macedonia</li><li>Norway</li><li>Oman</li><li>Pakistan</li><li>Portugal</li><li>Republic of Ireland</li><li>Russia</li><li>Samoa</li><li>San Marino</li><li>São Tomé and Príncipe</li><li>Serbia</li><li>Seychelles</li><li>Singapore</li><li>Somalia</li><li>South Africa</li><li>South Sudan</li><li>Spain</li><li>Sri Lanka</li><li>Sweden</li><li>Syria</li><li>Tajikistan</li><li>Tanzania</li><li>Timor-Leste</li><li>Togo</li><li>Trinidad and Tobago</li><li>Turks and Caicos Islands</li><li>United Arab Emirates</li><li>US Virgin Islands</li><li>Vietnam</li><li>Zimbabwe</li></ul>


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<h2>Coaches who didn’t vote for Messi</h2>



<ul><li>Albania</li><li>Algeria</li><li>Andorra</li><li>Angola</li><li>Armenia</li><li>Australia</li><li>Austria</li><li>Azerbaijan</li><li>Bangladesh</li><li>Belgium</li><li>Belize</li><li>Benin</li><li>Bermuda</li><li>Bhutan</li><li>Bosnia and Herzegovina</li><li>Botswana</li><li>Brunei Darussalam</li><li>Bulgaria</li><li>Burkina Faso</li><li>Cayman Islands</li><li>Central African Republic</li><li>Chad</li><li>Chinese Taipei</li><li>Congo</li><li>Congo DR</li><li>Cook Islands</li><li>Côte d’Ivoire</li><li>Cuba</li><li>Czechia</li><li>Denmark</li><li>Djibouti</li><li>Dominica</li><li>Ecuador</li><li>Egypt</li><li>El Salvador</li><li>England</li><li>Equatorial Guinea</li><li>Eswatini</li><li>Ethiopia</li><li>Faroe Islands</li><li>Fiji</li><li>Finland</li><li>France</li><li>Georgia</li><li>Germany</li><li>Gibraltar</li><li>Grenada</li><li>Guam</li><li>Guatemala</li><li>Guinea</li><li>Guinea-Bissau</li><li>Haiti</li><li>Hong Kong, China</li><li>Hungary</li><li>India</li><li>Iraq</li><li>Jamaica</li><li>Japan</li><li>Jordan</li><li>Kenya</li><li>Korea Republic</li><li>Kosovo</li><li>Kuwait</li><li>Latvia</li><li>Liberia</li><li>Libya</li><li>Liechtenstein</li><li>Macau</li><li>Madagascar</li><li>Malawi</li><li>Malaysia</li><li>Maldives</li><li>Mali</li><li>Malta</li><li>Mauritania</li><li>Mexico</li><li>Morocco</li><li>Mozambique</li><li>Myanmar</li><li>Namibia</li><li>Nepal</li><li>Netherlands</li><li>New Zealand</li><li>Nicaragua</li><li>Nigeria</li><li>North Macedonia</li><li>Norway</li><li>Oman</li><li>Pakistan</li><li>Palestine</li><li>Papua New Guinea</li><li>Peru</li><li>Poland</li><li>Portugal</li><li>Puerto Rico</li><li>Qatar </li><li>Republic of Ireland</li><li>Romania</li><li>Rwanda</li><li>Samoa</li><li>San Marino</li><li>São Tomé and Príncipe</li><li>Saudi Arabia</li><li>Senegal</li><li>Serbia</li><li>Sierra Leone</li><li>Slovakia</li><li>Slovenia</li><li>Somalia</li><li>South Africa</li><li>Spain</li><li>Sri Lanka</li><li>St Kitts and Nevis</li><li>St Lucia</li><li>Sweden</li><li>Tahiti</li><li>Tanzania</li><li>The Gambia</li><li>Togo</li><li>Trinidad and Tobago</li><li>Tunisia</li><li>Turkmenistan</li><li>Uganda</li><li>Ukraine</li><li>United Arab Emirates</li><li>US Virgin Islands</li><li>USA</li><li>Vietnam</li><li>Yemen</li></ul>

Messi got snubbed by several players and coaches at FIFA The Best 2023

The Best FIFA 2023: Which players and coaches didn't vote for Lionel Messi? - Bolavip US

It’s happened again. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> continues to be seen as the greatest soccer player on Earth, this time by winning in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/the-best">The Best</a> male player of the year category for 2023 in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/fifa">FIFA</a> awards. 



Leo finished tied on points with Erling Haaland, but he got the upper hand due to first-choice selections from national team captains. The governing body revealed how every country’s captain has voted, including Leo’s choices.



Messi selected Haaland as his first choice, giving the Manchester City superstar five points; with former PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe in second place (three points) and fellow countryman Julian Alvarez as his third option (one point).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="261" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240115_BUS_98122_image-8-1024x261_af141518.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=261" alt="" class="wp-image-98126" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/image-8-1024x261.png 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/image-8-300x76.png 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/image-8-768x195.png 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/image-8.png 1187w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></figure>



<h2>When Lionel Messi told Haaland, Mbappe they will start winning awards soon</h2>



While many expected Haaland to emerge victorious this time, it looks like world soccer is not ready to put someone above Messi yet. However, the 36-year-old suggested not long ago that the younger generations led by Haaland and Mbappe will take over soon.


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During his Ballon d’Or acceptance speech in 2023, Messi admitted that may have been his final success at the France Football awards, since he’s not getting any younger and the likes of Haaland and Mbappe are making a name for themselves.



“It’s going to be a nice fight between the two of them and between several other younger players around here. They both deserved it this year,” Messi said back in October.



<h2>Messi once again proves how much he respects Haaland</h2>



The fact that Messi chose Haaland as his first option for The Best 2023 speaks volumes about the Argentine’s respect for the striker. In the Ballon d’Or gala last year, the Inter Miami star had already shown how highly he thinks of the Man City sensation.


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“Haaland, you deserved the Ballon d’Or very much too. Erling has won the Premier League and Champions League while being the top scorer of everything. This award could have been yours today too. I’m sure for the next years you will win it,” Messi said in 2023.

FIFA reveals Lionel Messi's official votes for The Best 2023

Lionel Messi's official votes for 2023 The Best revealed by FIFA - Bolavip US

Lionel Messi's votes for The Best 2023, revealed by FIFA

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/erling-haaland">Erling Haaland</a>‘s fantastic year with Manchester City still hasn’t been enough for him to win another award apart from the UEFA player of the season. The Norwegian striker came close to winning The Best award by FIFA for 2023, but he’s still one of the players who couldn’t win the trophy in the same era as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> or <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>.



The Argentine superstar was also in the running alongside with PSG sensation Kylian Mbappe, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/fifa-explains-why-messi-won-the-best-despite-being-tied-on-points-with-haaland-20240115-BUS-98104.html">even though he finished tied with the Norwegian</a> on 48 points, the first-choice nominations from national team captains gave Leo the upper hand.



With this result, not only does Haaland have to continue waiting for more recognition, but he was also prevented from joining Luka Modric and Robert Lewandowski as the only players to win The Best in the same era as Messi and Ronaldo.



<h2>Modric, Lewandowski remain the only The Best winners in Messi-CR7 era</h2>



FIFA created this prize in 2016 to take distance from the Ballon d’Or, which returned to France Football’s control, and with Messi’s recent success, only four different players continue making up the list of The Best winners.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240115_BUS_98068_Haaland-1-1024x576_b43a9b98.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring against Young Boys" class="wp-image-83556" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Haaland-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Haaland-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Haaland-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Haaland-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Haaland-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring in a Champions League game against Young Boys</figcaption></figure>



<ul><li>2016: Cristiano Ronaldo</li><li>2017: Cristiano Ronaldo</li><li>2018: Luka Modric</li><li>2019: Lionel Messi</li><li>2020: Robert Lewandowski</li><li>2021: Robert Lewandowski</li><li>2022: Lionel Messi</li><li>2023: Lionel Messi</li></ul>


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<h2>The Best shows same Messi-Ronaldo dominance than the Ballon d’Or</h2>



While the Ballon d’Or has more significance in world soccer, The Best has become an interesting alternative. But both have so far been dominated by Messi and Ronaldo. In only eight years of existence, the award given by FIFA has only seen two different winners apart from Messi or Ronaldo – just like the Ballon d’Or since 2008.



The Portuguese star won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008, and from then on, it started an era of absolute dominance between him and Messi, as they emerged victorious in 13 of the last 15 editions. Ronaldo won five Ballon d’Ors, whereas Messi set a record with eight triumphs. Luka Modric in 2018 and Karim Benzema in 2022 are the only players who managed to end with Messi and Ronaldo’s supremacy in the Ballon d’Or.

Haaland waits: The only players apart from Messi, Ronaldo to win The Best by FIFA

Haaland waits: Other players apart from Messi, Ronaldo who won The Best - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> has once again won <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/the-best">The Best</a> award, this time for his performances for Inter Miami and Argentina in 2023. Curiously, the 36-year-old got the upper hand despite finishing tied with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/erling-haaland">Erling Haaland</a> in the voting, but FIFA had an official explanation for this.



“With the 2022 World Cup winner and Norway international Haaland locked together on 48 scoring points, they were separated by the number of first-choice nominations which Messi received in votes from national team captains, as per the Rules of Allocation (article 12),“ the governing body’s official website explains.



Messi got 13 first-choice nominations from national team captains, whereas Haaland had 11. Kylian Mbappe, who was also in the running for the accolade and finished third with 35 points, was the first choice of nine captains.


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<h2>What article 12 of FIFA The Best Rules of Allocation says</h2>



While the decision took many by surprise, The Best FIFA Football Awards rules have already stated what the tiebreaker is in case there’s a tie.


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Article 12 of the Rules of Allocation states: “In the event of a tie for first place after the above procedure has been applied, the player, coach or goalkeeper with the highest number of “five-point” scores from the votes cast by the nominee’s own group of voters per article 10 (i.e. for men’s players, the votes of men’s national-team captains; for men’s coaches, the votes of men’s national-team coaches; for men’s goalkeepers, the votes of men’s national-team captains; for women’s players, the votes of women’s national-team captains; for women’s coaches, the votes of women’s national-team coaches; and for women’s goalkeepers, the votes of women’s national-team captains) shall be the winner of the relevant Award.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="571" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240115_BUS_98104_image-7-1024x571_8d4b18e7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=571" alt="" class="wp-image-98108" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/image-7-1024x571.png 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/image-7-300x167.png 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/image-7-768x428.png 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/image-7.png 1207w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></figure>



As FIFA showed, Messi claimed 107 “five-point scores” compared to the Norwegian’s 64. Haaland had more votes from coaches and media, while the Argentine captain drew more support from captains and fans.

The unbelievable reason Messi won The Best despite being tied with Haaland

FIFA's official reason on why Messi won The Best despite tying with Haaland - Bolavip US

FIFA explains why Messi won The Best despite being tied on points with Haaland

To say that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a> is one of the most accomplished athletes in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/soccer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soccer</a> — or sports — history could be a huge understatement. Considered by some to be the GOAT, he’s been there and done that countless times in his career.



That’s why adding another trophy to his big cabinet isn’t something that makes him lose any sleep at this point in his career. With that in mind, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise to see that he won’t partake in today’s FIFA ‘The Best’ festivities.



According to Argentine reporter Ariel Senosiain, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Argentinean</a> legend won’t travel to London to attend the ceremony as he’ll stay with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inter Miami</a> to get ready for the preseason.



<h2>Will Haaland Win The Best?</h2>



Needless to say, that has prompted plenty of speculation around the soccer scene. Messi’s absence pretty much means that Manchester City star Erling Haaland, the odds-on favorite to win the award, will take the trophy home this time.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240115_BUS_98059_Erling-Haaland-striker-of-Manchester-City-1024x576_51ee1224.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Erling Haaland, striker of Manchester City" class="wp-image-90874" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Erling-Haaland-striker-of-Manchester-City-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Erling-Haaland-striker-of-Manchester-City-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Erling-Haaland-striker-of-Manchester-City-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Erling-Haaland-striker-of-Manchester-City-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Erling-Haaland-striker-of-Manchester-City.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Erling Haaland, striker of Manchester City</figcaption></figure>



Messi has already won eight Ballon D’ors and has been named The Best twice in his career, and it’s normal to see runner-ups miss the ceremony, especially when it represents a scheduling conflict.



<h2>Inter Miami’s Preseason Sechedule</h2>



The Herons will have quite a busy and interesting schedule as they get ready for the upcoming campaign. On top of that, they’ll will do so with Luis Suarez now at the forefront of their offense.



Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino’s team will square off vs. El Salvador on January 19 before having 10 days off. They’ll later face Al Hilal on January 29 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassar on February 1 for the Riyadh Season Cup.



Following their trip to Saudi Arabia, they’ll get back to action on February 4 to face Hong Kong, then and then Vissel Kobe in Tokyo on February 7. Last but not least, they’ll close the preseason at home against Messi’s hometown club Newell’s Old Boys on February 15.

Messi Skips ‘The Best’ Ceremony – Is Haaland Winning?

Messi's last-second decision proves Haaland could win 'The Best' - Bolavip US

Messi's last-second decision proves Haaland could win 'The Best'

FIFA will announce the winners of The Best 2023 awards on Monday, January 15, in a ceremony that will be held in London, England. Thibaut Courtois is in the running to win in the goalkeeper category, but he dared to share his thoughts on the best player tier, which has <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/erling-haaland">Erling Haaland</a>, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kylian-mbappe">Kylian Mbappe</a> as finalists.



“It’s always great to play against them. In the Champions League, for example, I managed to keep Haaland out, only for his team-mates to go and score all the goals. Mbappe and Messi are both fantastic players too, but I think Haaland deserves the award most because he’s won the Champions League, the English Premier League, the FA Cup, and scored a huge amount of goals. So, he deserves it for me, though the other two have scored a lot of goals as well. We’ll just have to see,” Courtois told FIFA.com.



The three stars had already been involved in a battle for a prestigious award a few months ago, with Messi ultimately getting the upper hand in the 2023 Ballon d’Or vote. However, it’s safe to say the 2022 World Cup gave the Argentine star the edge on that occasion.



That triumph was also the reason Messi emerged victorious in the last edition of The Best last year. Since the upcoming award will consider the player’s performances in 2023, Qatar 2022 will no longer be part of the criteria. Only time will tell whether Haaland or Mbappe dethrone Messi this time.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240108_BUS_96675_FIFA-The-Best-1-1024x576_a0b385ba.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="FIFA The Best: Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi" class="wp-image-91970" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/FIFA-The-Best-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/FIFA-The-Best-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/FIFA-The-Best-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/FIFA-The-Best-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/FIFA-The-Best-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Courtois mentions all three The Best finalists among toughest players he’s played with and against</h2>



Apart from sharing his opinion on the race for The Best award, the Real Madrid goalkeeper made it clear that Haaland, Messi, and Mbappe are among the best players he’s faced – a list that also includes Cristiano Ronaldo.



“I’ve been lucky enough to play with lots of great players and I can’t name just the one. Playing against Cristiano [Ronaldo], Messi, Haaland, Mbappe… There are so many great names you could pick, but it’s not up to me to say. I’ve just been fortunate enough to face some of the greatest names in the game, which is special in itself,” Courtois said.



<h2>All the nominees for FIFA The Best Awards 2023</h2>



<h3>The Best FIFA Men’s finalists</h3>



<ul><li>Erling Haaland</li><li>Lionel Messi</li><li>Kylian Mbappe</li></ul>



<h3>The Best FIFA Women’s finalists</h3>



<ul><li>Aitana Bonmati</li><li>Linda Caicedo</li><li>Jennifer Hermoso</li></ul>



<h3>FIFA Puskas’ Award finalists</h3>



<ul><li>Julio Enciso</li><li>Guilherme Madruga</li><li>Nuno Santos</li></ul>


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<h3>The Best FIFA Men’s Coach finalists</h3>



<ul><li>Pep Guardiola</li><li>Simone Inzaghi</li><li>Luciano Spalletti</li></ul>



<h3>The Best FIFA Women’s Coach finalists</h3>



<ul><li>Jonatan Giraldez</li><li>Emma Hayes</li><li>Sarina Wiegman</li></ul>



<h3>The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper finalists</h3>



<ul><li>Yassine Bounou</li><li>Thibaut Courtois</li><li>Ederson</li></ul>



<h3>The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper finalists</h3>



<ul><li>Mackenzie Arnold</li><li>Catalina Coll</li><li>Mary Earps</li></ul>

Courtois picks his favorite to win The Best between Haaland, Messi, Mbappe

Thibaut Courtois explains why Haaland deserves The Best award over Messi, Mbappe - Bolavip US

Thibaut Courtois explains why Haaland deserves The Best award over Messi, Mbappe

Latest news from The Best. Find out about all the news related to The Best on bolavip.com/en