The integrity of FIFA’s football awards is being called into question following controversial decisions that prioritize star power over merit. Once respected as a beacon of recognition for outstanding football performance. let’s look at some controversial FIFA’s decisions:
FIFA’s recent actions, particularly involving Lionel Messi, have sparked outrage among fans and analysts alike. Messi, an undeniably legendary player, has found himself at the center of a controversy that has many questioning the credibility of football’s highest honors.
Messi’s 2024 Shortlist Controversy
Lionel Messi was shortlisted for FIFA’s Best Player award in 2024, a decision that baffled many observers. Messi, playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) for Inter Miami, delivered respectable but hardly groundbreaking statistics during the eligibility period from August 21, 2023, to August 10, 2024.
His contributions included 21 goals and 17 assists across competitions like the MLS, Copa America, the US Open, World Cup qualifiers, CONCACAF Champions Cup, and international friendlies.
While these are impressive numbers, Messi’s performances during high-stakes competitions, such as the Copa America, were lackluster. He registered only one goal and one assist in the tournament, raising doubts about his inclusion on the shortlist.
What makes Messi’s nomination particularly controversial is the exclusion of players like Lautaro Martínez and Ademola Lookman, whose performances during the same period were superior in both quantity and quality.
Martínez, a standout center-forward for Inter Milan and Argentina, amassed 35 goals and 8 assists, totaling 43 goal contributions. He excelled in top-tier competitions such as Serie A, the UEFA Champions League, and the Copa America.
Notably, he won the Serie A Golden Boot, the Copa America Golden Boot, and scored decisive goals in the Supercoppa Italiana and Copa America finals. Martínez’s achievements reflect his significant impact at both club and international levels, yet he was shockingly overlooked.
Ademola Lookman, representing Atalanta and Nigeria, also had a stellar year with 23 goals and 10 assists across competitions like Serie A, the UEFA Europa League, and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Lookman played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, finishing as a runner-up, and won the UEFA Europa League with Atalanta. His contributions at the highest levels of football far outshine Messi’s relatively subdued performances in the MLS and Copa America.
However, Lookman’s exclusion from the shortlist further underscores FIFA’s apparent bias.
Double Standards and Star Bias
FIFA’s credibility takes a further hit when comparing Messi’s nomination to that of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been consistently sidelined despite delivering extraordinary numbers. During the same eligibility period, Ronaldo’s statistics dwarf those of Messi, Martínez, and Lookman.
With 51 goals and 14 assists, totaling 65 goal contributions, Ronaldo’s performances in the Saudi Pro League showcased his enduring brilliance.
Yet, FIFA’s rationale for excluding Ronaldo has often been that he plays in a “lower-tier” league—a standard that seems conveniently ignored in Messi’s case.
This inconsistency highlights a troubling double standard: if Messi were to deliver performances equivalent to those of Martínez or Lookman, he would undoubtedly receive a nomination.
Conversely, had Martínez or Lookman matched Messi’s output in the MLS, they would likely be overlooked. This preferential treatment erodes the awards’ credibility, reducing them to a popularity contest rather than a merit-based recognition of excellence.
Historical Precedents: Haaland’s 2023 Snub
FIFA’s bias isn’t new. In the 2023 FIFA Best Player award, Messi controversially triumphed over Erling Haaland despite the latter’s record-breaking season. Haaland, playing for Manchester City, amassed the most goal contributions during the eligibility period and secured the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup treble.
Messi, by contrast, won Ligue 1 and the Leagues Cup in the United States—achievements that pale in comparison to Haaland’s. While Messi’s global fanbase undoubtedly played a role, the decision undermined the award’s integrity, leaving fans and pundits questioning FIFA’s criteria.
The Fallout
FIFA’s repeated favoritism threatens to tarnish the reputation of its awards. By sidelining deserving players like Martínez, Lookman, and Haaland in favor of Messi, the organization sends a troubling message: star power matters more than merit.
This approach not only disrespects the players who work tirelessly to achieve greatness but also alienates fans who value fair and unbiased recognition.
For FIFA to restore credibility, it must prioritize transparency and meritocracy in its awards process. Clearer criteria, consistent application of standards, and greater representation of diverse leagues and players are essential.
Without these reforms, FIFA risks further alienating its audience and diminishing the prestige of its awards.
In a sport as globally cherished as football, awards should celebrate excellence, not popularity. As long as FIFA continues to prioritize star appeal over merit, the legitimacy of its accolades will remain under scrutiny. The footballing world deserves better.
