"It is disrespectful to people who follow football" - Journalist labels Lionel Messi's inclusion in FIFA The Best shortlist a 'disgrace'
Journalist Edu Aguirre (El Chiringuito) has labeled Argentine superstar Lionel Messi's inclusion in the shortlist for FIFA's The Best award a 'disgrace'. The Spaniard claimed that the nomination of the 37-year-old forward is 'disrespectful to people who follow football'.
Messi enjoyed a spectacular campaign for club and country in 2024. He bagged 24 goals and 14 assists in 30 games across all competitions, lifting the Copa America with Argentina and Major League Soccer's (MLS) Supporters' Shield with Inter Miami.
Despite his stellar displays, he faced criticism for Miami's flare-out in the first round of the MLS Playoffs in a best-of-three series against Atlanta United. He also managed just one goal and one assist in La Albiceleste's victorious Copa America campaign, with Lautaro Martinez getting the Golden Boot (five goals).
Martinez also bagged 27 goals and seven assists in 44 appearances for Inter Milan in the 2023-24 campaign, helping them win the Serie A title. While Martinez didn't make the final cut, Messi is one of the 11 players nominated for FIFA's top honor.
Aguirre contended that the Argentina captain does not deserve the nomination, calling it a 'tribute' for the FIFA World Cup title he won two years ago. Speaking to TNT Sports, the Spaniard said (via GOAL):
"We have been paying tribute to Messi for winning a World Cup, it's a disgrace. It is disrespectful to people who follow football. Lautaro Martinez won the Copa America, was the best player of the Argentine National Team and is not (recognised by FIFA for this award)."
Other nominees for the honor include Real Madrid trio Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., and the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, Manchester City's Rodri.
Lionel Messi named in MLS' Best XI for the 2024 season, Luis Suarez snubbed
Lionel Messi was named in Major League Soccer's (MLS) Best XI for the 2024 season alongside Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba. However, star Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez not make the cut.
The Argentine maestro was instrumental in helping Tata Martino's side set the MLS regular season points record (74 in 34 games) and win the Supporters' Shield. Although he played just 19 games in the league phase, he racked up 20 goals and 10 assists to power Miami to the top seed.
Shockingly, though, his side fell to 2018 MLS Cup champions Atlanta United at the first hurdle. In a best-of-three series, the Herons won game one (2-1) but lost the next two (1-2, 2-3) to be eliminated from title contention.
Despite the exit, Messi made it into the MLS' Best XI alongside Alba, who bagged four goals and 10 assists in 28 regular season games. Even with 20 goals and nine assists in 27 games, Suarez was not recognized in the team.
Former Liverpool man Christian Benteke (DC United, 23 goals, five assists), ex-Watford forward Cucho Hernandez (Columbus Crew, 19 goals, 10 assists) and Denis Bouanga (LAFC, 20 goals, 10 assists) got the nod over the 37-year-old.