Check out the time period of the FIFA The Best Award 2023-2024
John Obi-Mikel, former captain of the Super Eagles, asserted that Lionel Messi should have clinched the men’s Player of the Year title at The Best FIFA Awards, rather than Erling Haaland.
Despite Haaland’s remarkable achievement of securing a treble with Manchester City and scoring 30 goals in all competitions during the evaluation period, Messi ultimately emerged as the victor despite the accolade recognising the most outstanding performers in the men’s game from the period of 19 December 2022 to 20 August 2023.
What was the calendar time period for which voting was done to decide FIFA The Best 2023-2024 award winner
This lying is embarrassing at this point. Messi fan, Mikel Obi, couldn't provide a single valid argument on why Lionel Messi deserves the FIFA The Best 2023 award.
Also, notice how he ran away in the end when he was caught lying. pic.twitter.com/D8b6iCmDeH
— Masim (@masimgoat) January 17, 2024
When questioned by reporters about why Messi deserved the award, Mikel responded, “He’s the winner, He’s the Goat…He won the World Cup…that goes from 2022 to 2023. How do you call a calendar though in football?…how do you call a calendar year?…ah thank you very much.”
However, this response seemed incomplete and raised questions about the appropriateness of FIFA’s decision, as the rules of the awards appear to conflict with Messi winning the World Cup in 2022 and receiving the award for 2023.
Despite the discrepancy, no legal challenges or queries have been raised, and Messi has officially been declared the winner of the award. The future trajectory of Messi’s career and his performance in the upcoming MLS season now remain to be seen.
Former Chelsea FC legend John Obi-Mikel expressed his belief that Lionel Messi deserved the “FIFA The Best Men’s Player of the Year” award for 2023 over Erling Haaland.
Mikel stated during a live that, “I think Messi did more than Haaland to win it. Man City is a team that creates chances, they win games, they know how to win games without Haaland.”
Currently sidelined with a foot ailment, Haaland’s absence has not hindered Manchester City, who have won four of their last five Premier League games and remain unbeaten in nine games overall.
In contrast, Messi has played a crucial role in Inter Miami’s success in 2023, contributing 11 goals and five assists in 14 games across all competitions.
This is how Lionel Messi voted for The BEST FIFA Men's Player of 2023 🏆 pic.twitter.com/lZXBlP2Sza
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 15, 2024
Lothar Matthaus Argued in Opposition
On the other hand, former Germany international Lothar Matthaus argued that Messi is not deserving of the FIFA The Best Men’s Player award for 2023 due to the lack of significant trophies.
Despite Messi’s victories in Ligue 1 and the Leagues Trophy with Inter Miami, Matthaus dismissed these accomplishments and favored Haaland, citing the latter’s pivotal role in Manchester City’s triumphs, including the FA Cup, Premier League, and UEFA Champions League in his debut season at the Etihad. The performance of Erling Haaland in the 2023-24 season remains a point of interest.
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