Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
The anticipation is high as football fans around the world eagerly await the announcement of the Best FIFA Men’s Player award.
Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, is among the favorites for this prestigious award.
However, much to the disappointment of his fans, Messi won’t be attending the FIFA Best Awards ceremony in London.
In this article, we explore the reasons behind his absence and dive into Messi’s recent achievements on the football field.
Messi’s Incredible Journey to the FIFA Best Awards
Messi’s incredible journey to the FIFA Best Awards has been nothing short of extraordinary.
As an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi has consistently proven himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
His nomination for the Best FIFA Men’s Player award comes on the back of his exceptional performance as the captain of the Argentine national team during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Argentinian Victory: World Cup 2022
Under Messi’s leadership, Argentina achieved a historic victory in the 2022 World Cup, marking their first triumph in the tournament since 1986.
Messi’s contributions were invaluable, as he displayed his exceptional skills and determination on the field.
In his seven appearances, Messi scored an impressive seven goals.
Not only did he lead his team to victory, but he was also named the Player of the Tournament, further solidifying his status as a football icon.
The Unprecedented Achievement: European Cup, Ballon d’Or, and World Cup
Messi’s World Cup win created history as he became the ninth-ever player to have won the European Cup (Champions League), Ballon d’Or, and World Cup.
This extraordinary feat places Messi in an elite group of football legends, showcasing his unparalleled talent and dominance in the sport.
A New Chapter: Joining Inter Miami
Following his World Cup triumph, Messi embarked on a new chapter in his football career by joining Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami.
The move to the United States presented new challenges for the Argentine superstar, but he quickly adapted and made an impact.
Adding to the Trophy Cabinet: Leagues Cup Victory
In his short time with Miami, Messi wasted no time in adding to his already impressive trophy cabinet.
He showcased his goal-scoring skills by netting an astonishing 10 goals in just seven games, leading Miami to their first-ever piece of silverware, the Leagues Cup.
This triumph further solidified Messi’s status as a game-changer and a true asset to his team.
Training Commitment: Prioritizing Inter Miami
While Messi is undoubtedly one of the most likely candidates to win the Best FIFA Men’s Player award, he has made a conscious decision to prioritize his commitment to Miami over attending the awards ceremony in London.
Journalist Ariel Senosiain revealed that Messi chose to remain in the United States to train with his new team rather than travel to receive the prestigious award in person.
Pre-Season Preparations: Inter Miami’s Busy Schedule
Miami has a demanding pre-season schedule, consisting of seven friendly matches.
Six of these matches will be played on the road, which necessitates Messi’s presence for training and team bonding.
The team’s pre-season journey begins with a match against El Salvador’s national team on January 19, followed by a clash with FC Dallas at the Cotton Bowl three days later.
Tour of the Middle East and Asia: Exciting Challenges Await
Miami’s pre-season preparations take them on an exciting tour of the Middle East and Asia.
The team has two matches scheduled in Saudi Arabia, where they will face Al-Hilal on January 29 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr on February 1.
These high-profile matches present valuable opportunities for Messi and his teammates to show their skills on a global stage.
Showdown in Hong Kong and Japan: Further Test of Skill
Continuing their pre-season tour, Miami will engage in a match against Hong Kong’s national team on February 4.
This encounter provides a chance for the team to experience different playing styles and further fine-tune their strategies.
Following this, they will head to Japan to face Vissel Kobe, adding another exciting chapter to their pre-season journey.
Homecoming: Messi’s Reunion with Newell’s Old Boys
Finally, after an eventful pre-season tour, Miami will return to Miami for their last friendly match.
In a match that holds sentimental value for Messi, Miami will take on Newell’s Old Boys, his boyhood club.
This homecoming match is expected to be an emotional and highly anticipated event for both Messi and his fans.
Conclusion
While Lionel Messi’s absence at the FIFA Best Awards may disappoint his fans who were hoping to see him receive the Men’s Player award in person, his decision to prioritize his commitment to Miami is a testament to his dedication and professionalism.
Messi’s recent triumph in the World Cup, his impressive goal-scoring record, and his role in leading Miami to victory in the Leagues Cup showcase his exceptional skills and unwavering passion for the sport.
As his journey with Miami continues, football fans eagerly await more remarkable performances from the legendary Messi.
For more articles like this click here.
