Messi’s Explosive Attack on FIFA’s “The Best” Award Sparks Clash with Infantino

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, has ignited a firestorm of controversy after publicly criticizing FIFA’s prestigious The Best award. The Inter Miami captain, never one to shy away from speaking his mind in recent years, described the accolade as “an unfair award,” a declaration that stunned the football world and immediately drew a furious response from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The comments came during a press appearance in Miami, where Messi was asked about individual trophies and their role in modern football. Instead of offering the expected diplomatic response, the Argentine legend dropped a verbal bombshell.

“For me, The Best has lost its meaning. It’s an unfair award because it doesn’t always recognize the true merit of players. Football is about consistency, passion, and performance across an entire season, not just about popularity or politics,” Messi stated bluntly.

His words reverberated instantly across social media, with fans, pundits, and former players weighing in. Many praised Messi for his honesty, claiming that his statement exposed flaws in FIFA’s voting system, which often relies heavily on national team captains, coaches, and media representatives. Others, however, accused him of disrespecting an award that he himself has won multiple times.

Infantino’s Immediate Backlash

FIFA President Gianni Infantino wasted no time in firing back at the Argentine superstar. Within hours, Infantino released a strongly worded statement defending the integrity of The Best.

“Lionel Messi is a legend of the game, but to call The Best unfair is simply wrong. The award is voted on by those who live and breathe football – coaches, players, journalists, and fans. To question its fairness is to question the voice of the entire football community,” Infantino retorted.

The confrontation between FIFA’s top executive and one of football’s biggest icons has created a rare and dramatic clash at the very heart of the sport.

Divided Reactions in the Football World

Predictably, the football community has split into camps. Several South American pundits supported Messi, suggesting that awards like The Best often favor European players and competitions. In contrast, European analysts argued that Messi’s remarks may have stemmed from frustration, given that younger stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham are now in contention for such honors.

Former Brazilian legend Rivaldo even chimed in, siding with Messi: “These awards don’t always reflect reality. Sometimes they’re more about image than performance. Messi knows what he’s talking about.”

Meanwhile, fans in Miami held banners during Inter Miami’s training session, with some reading “We Stand with Messi” and others urging FIFA to reform its award structure.

What’s Next?

This controversy could have far-reaching consequences. Messi, now in the twilight of his career, is less dependent on FIFA’s recognition than in the past, giving him more freedom to speak openly. However, Infantino’s sharp rebuttal suggests that FIFA will not tolerate further criticism from its biggest stars.

With the next edition of The Best just months away, the shadow of Messi’s words will loom large over the ceremony. Will his comments spark reforms in the voting process, or will FIFA double down on defending its system?

One thing is certain: Messi’s blunt honesty has once again shaken the football world, proving that even off the pitch, he remains a game-changer.