Former Germany player Lothar Matthaus has criticized Lionel Messi after the Argentine won the FIFA Best Award, claiming that Messi didn't deserve the individual trophy after failing to win major titles in 2023.
What happened?
Lionel Messi was recognized by his peers as the best player on earth, with yet another individual title allowing him to add to his records.
The former FC Barcelona star led Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022, which enabled him to secure an eighth Ballon d'Or, and that attainment continues to influence more trophies to his collections.
In the ranking was Kylian Mbappe after Haaland and Messi and when the name of the Argentinian captain was mentioned as the best, there was not much applause from those present.
However, the award has sparked several reactions because Messi had the same points (48) as Erling Haaland of Man City but was declared the best because he was voted first choice by more national team captains.
Among several others who reacted was Matthaus, who won the World Cup and Ballon d’Or in 1990. He went on to explain why Messi should have been overlooked this time around.
Speaking to reporters, he said; "If you look at the great successes, there is no way past Manchester City and - when choosing the best player - Erling Haaland".
"He won the most important titles with Man City, his strike rate was impressive. That should be decisive when you choose the best and most important player - and that was Haaland".
In his view, Haaland was pivotal to Manchester City's impressive treble campaign helping the team secure the English Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League in 2023, overshadowing Messi's achievements of winning his second Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain and guiding Inter Miami to Leagues Cup success after his move to the United States.
What's next for Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland?
Messi is currently in the USA, where he is preparing with Inter Miami for the start of the new season. He joined the Major League Soccer outfit in the summer as a free agent after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired.
Erling Haaland, on the other hand, is working on his fitness. Man City have been without the former Borussia Dortmund striker for their last nine matches in all competitions due to a foot injury he sustained back in December.
In addition, there is the possibility that the Norwegian goal machine could be back for the Citizens against Tottenham or Burnley, as confirmed by Guardiola at his pre-Newcastle press conference last week.
What happened?
Lionel Messi was recognized by his peers as the best player on earth, with yet another individual title allowing him to add to his records.
The former FC Barcelona star led Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022, which enabled him to secure an eighth Ballon d'Or, and that attainment continues to influence more trophies to his collections.
In the ranking was Kylian Mbappe after Haaland and Messi and when the name of the Argentinian captain was mentioned as the best, there was not much applause from those present.
However, the award has sparked several reactions because Messi had the same points (48) as Erling Haaland of Man City but was declared the best because he was voted first choice by more national team captains.
Among several others who reacted was Matthaus, who won the World Cup and Ballon d’Or in 1990. He went on to explain why Messi should have been overlooked this time around.
Speaking to reporters, he said; "If you look at the great successes, there is no way past Manchester City and - when choosing the best player - Erling Haaland".
"He won the most important titles with Man City, his strike rate was impressive. That should be decisive when you choose the best and most important player - and that was Haaland".
In his view, Haaland was pivotal to Manchester City's impressive treble campaign helping the team secure the English Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League in 2023, overshadowing Messi's achievements of winning his second Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain and guiding Inter Miami to Leagues Cup success after his move to the United States.
What's next for Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland?
Messi is currently in the USA, where he is preparing with Inter Miami for the start of the new season. He joined the Major League Soccer outfit in the summer as a free agent after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired.
Erling Haaland, on the other hand, is working on his fitness. Man City have been without the former Borussia Dortmund striker for their last nine matches in all competitions due to a foot injury he sustained back in December.
In addition, there is the possibility that the Norwegian goal machine could be back for the Citizens against Tottenham or Burnley, as confirmed by Guardiola at his pre-Newcastle press conference last week.