Five Inter Miami Stars Boycott FIFA The Best Ceremony in Stunning Protest Against Infantino
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the football world, five high-profile players from Inter Miami have jointly announced they will not attend this year’s FIFA The Best ceremony. The boycott, revealed by Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, was described as a bold act of protest driven by “three very special reasons” — and aimed directly at FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The revelation marks one of the most dramatic collective player protests in recent memory and raises questions about the legitimacy of FIFA’s most celebrated awards show.
De Paul Drops the Bombshell
Speaking after Inter Miami’s latest training session, De Paul stunned reporters with his statement.
“We have to do this to protest against him,” De Paul declared, refusing to mention Infantino by name but leaving little doubt about whom he was referring to. “There are three reasons behind this decision, and each one of them is powerful enough to make us stand together. Football is about fairness, respect, and passion — but we don’t see those values reflected anymore.”
Although he did not elaborate fully, insiders close to the Inter Miami squad hinted that the reasons involved dissatisfaction with FIFA’s handling of award voting, perceived favoritism towards European players, and ongoing disputes over player welfare in international competitions.
The Stars Behind the Boycott
While De Paul made the announcement, he was not alone. Sources confirm that Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, and De Paul himself are the five players leading the boycott. Each has a storied career in international and club football, and their absence will leave a massive void at FIFA’s annual gala.
Messi’s involvement is particularly significant. The Inter Miami captain has long been a central figure at such ceremonies, often winning or being shortlisted for major awards. His decision to skip The Best sends a clear message of disapproval toward FIFA’s leadership.
Infantino Under Fire
Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s outspoken president, now finds himself at the center of yet another storm. Already facing criticism for his controversial plans to expand global competitions and congest the football calendar, Infantino must now deal with open rebellion from some of the sport’s most respected stars.
According to sources close to FIFA, Infantino was “outraged” upon learning of the boycott. One insider reported: “He sees this as a direct attack on his credibility. To have Messi and others turning their backs on FIFA’s flagship event is nothing short of humiliating.”
Fans and Analysts React
The football community has exploded with reactions to the announcement. Supporters of Messi and Inter Miami quickly took to social media with the hashtag #BoycottTheBest, applauding the players’ courage to take a stand. Others argued that skipping the ceremony is a disrespectful gesture to fans who view the awards as a celebration of the sport.
Former Italian international Marco Materazzi commented: “This is unprecedented. You have world champions and legends of the game openly boycotting FIFA. Whether you agree with them or not, it shows how divided football has become under Infantino’s rule.”
On the other side, French pundit Christophe Dugarry criticized the players’ stance: “These awards are symbolic. If you don’t like them, fine, but to boycott is childish. Messi and his teammates should remember they owe something to the fans.”
A Sign of Growing Tensions
This boycott does not exist in isolation. Just weeks earlier, Messi himself had criticized The Best award, calling it “unfair” and questioning its credibility. The latest action only intensifies the rift between FIFA’s leadership and some of the sport’s biggest names.
Observers suggest that the controversy could trigger further boycotts or even inspire reforms in FIFA’s award system. Some insiders even speculate that alternative awards, organized by players’ associations, could gain traction if FIFA fails to address the growing dissatisfaction.
What Lies Ahead
The FIFA The Best ceremony, scheduled for later this year in Zurich, is now overshadowed by the absence of Messi and his Inter Miami teammates. Their boycott is more than just a snub — it is a symbolic act of defiance that challenges FIFA’s authority.
Whether Infantino chooses to retaliate, negotiate, or ignore the protest remains to be seen. But one thing is undeniable: the world will be watching closely, and the image of FIFA’s grand awards show has already taken a significant hit.
As De Paul concluded his shocking announcement, his words echoed across the footballing landscape: “We didn’t want this. But sometimes, silence is worse than speaking out. This is our way of making sure our voices are heard.”
Five Inter Miami Stars Boycott FIFA The Best Ceremony in Stunning Protest Against Infantino
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the football world, five high-profile players from Inter Miami have jointly announced they will not attend this year’s FIFA The Best ceremony. The boycott, revealed by Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, was described as a bold act of protest driven by “three very special reasons” — and aimed directly at FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The revelation marks one of the most dramatic collective player protests in recent memory and raises questions about the legitimacy of FIFA’s most celebrated awards show.
De Paul Drops the Bombshell
Speaking after Inter Miami’s latest training session, De Paul stunned reporters with his statement.
“We have to do this to protest against him,” De Paul declared, refusing to mention Infantino by name but leaving little doubt about whom he was referring to. “There are three reasons behind this decision, and each one of them is powerful enough to make us stand together. Football is about fairness, respect, and passion — but we don’t see those values reflected anymore.”
Although he did not elaborate fully, insiders close to the Inter Miami squad hinted that the reasons involved dissatisfaction with FIFA’s handling of award voting, perceived favoritism towards European players, and ongoing disputes over player welfare in international competitions.
The Stars Behind the Boycott
While De Paul made the announcement, he was not alone. Sources confirm that Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, and De Paul himself are the five players leading the boycott. Each has a storied career in international and club football, and their absence will leave a massive void at FIFA’s annual gala.
Messi’s involvement is particularly significant. The Inter Miami captain has long been a central figure at such ceremonies, often winning or being shortlisted for major awards. His decision to skip The Best sends a clear message of disapproval toward FIFA’s leadership.
Infantino Under Fire
Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s outspoken president, now finds himself at the center of yet another storm. Already facing criticism for his controversial plans to expand global competitions and congest the football calendar, Infantino must now deal with open rebellion from some of the sport’s most respected stars.
According to sources close to FIFA, Infantino was “outraged” upon learning of the boycott. One insider reported: “He sees this as a direct attack on his credibility. To have Messi and others turning their backs on FIFA’s flagship event is nothing short of humiliating.”
Fans and Analysts React
The football community has exploded with reactions to the announcement. Supporters of Messi and Inter Miami quickly took to social media with the hashtag #BoycottTheBest, applauding the players’ courage to take a stand. Others argued that skipping the ceremony is a disrespectful gesture to fans who view the awards as a celebration of the sport.
Former Italian international Marco Materazzi commented: “This is unprecedented. You have world champions and legends of the game openly boycotting FIFA. Whether you agree with them or not, it shows how divided football has become under Infantino’s rule.”
On the other side, French pundit Christophe Dugarry criticized the players’ stance: “These awards are symbolic. If you don’t like them, fine, but to boycott is childish. Messi and his teammates should remember they owe something to the fans.”
A Sign of Growing Tensions
This boycott does not exist in isolation. Just weeks earlier, Messi himself had criticized The Best award, calling it “unfair” and questioning its credibility. The latest action only intensifies the rift between FIFA’s leadership and some of the sport’s biggest names.
Observers suggest that the controversy could trigger further boycotts or even inspire reforms in FIFA’s award system. Some insiders even speculate that alternative awards, organized by players’ associations, could gain traction if FIFA fails to address the growing dissatisfaction.
What Lies Ahead
The FIFA The Best ceremony, scheduled for later this year in Zurich, is now overshadowed by the absence of Messi and his Inter Miami teammates. Their boycott is more than just a snub — it is a symbolic act of defiance that challenges FIFA’s authority.
Whether Infantino chooses to retaliate, negotiate, or ignore the protest remains to be seen. But one thing is undeniable: the world will be watching closely, and the image of FIFA’s grand awards show has already taken a significant hit.
As De Paul concluded his shocking announcement, his words echoed across the footballing landscape: “We didn’t want this. But sometimes, silence is worse than speaking out. This is our way of making sure our voices are heard.”
