Lionel Messi, the captain of Inter Miami and Argentina, was ranked sixth in the 2024 The Best FIFA Men’s Player vote, sparking debate among fans and experts alike. Despite his illustrious career, some questioned whether the 37-year-old still deserved a spot on the shortlist this year. His ranking, while still impressive, reflected a shift in his career as he enters a new phase.
The full FIFA rankings revealed that Messi finished ahead of stars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé but was outranked by players such as Dani Carvajal and rising talent Lamine Yamal. Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior claimed the top spot, with Rodri, the Ballon d'Or winner, finishing second and Jude Bellingham securing third place.
Messi's sixth-place finish was largely attributed to his standout debut season in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, where he led the team to its first-ever Supporters' Shield title. His performance in helping Argentina defend their Copa América title last summer also played a key role in his nomination. However, critics argued that other players had more significant impacts during the year. Some even questioned if Messi had been Argentina's best player in 2024, given the rise of other influential figures.
This marked the first time in years that Messi was outside the top five, signaling the natural progression of his career. Carvajal's steady performances with Real Madrid and Yamal's breakout year with Barcelona were factors in their higher rankings. Retired star Toni Kroos came in seventh, while Haaland and Mbappé finished eighth and ninth, respectively. Florian Wirtz and Federico Valverde rounded out the top ten.
Vinícius Júnior’s victory highlighted his exceptional contributions to Real Madrid's domestic and European successes. Rodri, who finished second, was instrumental in Manchester City's UEFA Champions League triumph, while Jude Bellingham impressed with his debut season at Real Madrid, earning him a well-deserved third-place finish.
Despite the debates surrounding his ranking, Messi’s contributions to MLS and Argentina's success were undeniable. His leadership helped Inter Miami grow in stature and brought global attention to the league. On the international stage, his role in Argentina’s Copa América win further cemented his legacy. As Messi takes a break after Inter Miami's early playoff exit, the focus now shifts to his future in MLS and preparations for upcoming competitions with Argentina. At 37, finishing sixth in the world remains a testament to Messi's enduring greatness.
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