It’s Strange To Question Messi’s ‘FIFA The Best Award’ – Scaloni 

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni says there should be no debate about whether or not Lionel Messi deserved to win the FIFA The Best Men’s Player prize.

Messi won the title of world’s best player in 2023, defeating Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain and Erling Haaland of Manchester City. Fans disagreed over his victory, but Scaloni maintains that it was unquestionably his.

READ ALSO: How Messi Beat Haaland, Mbappe To FIFA The Best Award

“I think the debate goes beyond football, I don’t think there is a debate between the footballer or the coach as to why he won it,” Scaloni told Marca. “If Haaland or Mbappe had won it, it would have been fine too. It’s media stuff. Debating why Messi won it when football people vote is strange.”

Messi had a very quiet 2023, but he still took home the trophy. Following his successful leadership of Argentina at the end of 2022 at the World Cup, he left PSG to join Inter Miami, which won the Leagues Cup but failed to qualify for the MLS Playoffs. While Mbappe helped PSG win Ligue 1, Haaland played a pivotal role in City’s victories in the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup.

The 36-year-old will play once more the following week when his Inter Miami team plays an Al-Nassr team led by former adversary Cristiano Ronaldo. The Florida team will then play its first match of the MLS season in late February against Real Salt Lake.