Lionel Messi’s Surprising Vote for The Best FIFA Men’s Player: A Snub for Vinicius Junior and Rodri

At the FIFA Best awards ceremony in Doha, Lionel Messi’s vote for The Best FIFA Men’s Player raised eyebrows. Despite his role as captain of Argentina, Messi did not choose Vinicius Junior or Rodri, the two players who had been among the frontrunners for the award. Instead, Messi’s top pick was the 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, a rising star from Barcelona.

Vinicius Junior, who had an exceptional season leading Real Madrid to both La Liga and Champions League titles, was awarded the top prize at the ceremony, earning 48 points. He narrowly beat Rodri, who had claimed the Ballon d’Or earlier in the year, by just five points. However, Messi’s voting preferences told a different story.

Messi’s top spot went to Yamal, followed by France’s Kylian Mbappé in second. Vinicius, the eventual winner, was placed in third, while Rodri was notably absent from Messi’s list entirely. This decision came as a surprise to many, given Rodri’s standout performances for Manchester City and his influence in midfield.

Lamine Yamal’s rise to prominence has been remarkable. The Barcelona forward played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 success, even winning the tournament’s best young player award. Despite Barcelona’s trophyless season, Yamal’s individual contributions were undeniable, with seven goals and nine assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.

Messi’s vote for Yamal over both Vinicius and Rodri highlights the young Barcelona player’s incredible potential and the growing impact he’s making at such a young age. However, Yamal’s season has been interrupted by injury, following a ligament issue sustained during Barcelona’s 1-0 loss to Leganes. This injury could delay his return to action, adding a layer of uncertainty to his future performances.

As Messi continues to shape his legacy with Inter Miami, his vote for The Best FIFA Men’s Player reminds us that the football world is always evolving, with new talent emerging on the scene. Vinicius, while deserving of his award, will no doubt be mindful of Messi’s recognition of Yamal’s brilliance, signaling that the torch is being passed to the next generation of football stars.