Messi's Choice: Yamal, Mbappé, and Vinícius Jr. on the Podium

Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina national team, shared his picks for the best players of 2024 in the The Best awards. In an emotional vote, Messi chose the young Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal as his number one. The FC Barcelona player, at just 16 years old, impressed with his brilliant season and earned Messi’s trust to lead his selection. Messi didn't hesitate to award his five points to Yamal, who has just started to make his mark in international football.

Kylian Mbappé, Messi’s teammate at PSG, claimed second place in the Argentine captain’s vote, receiving three points. To complete his podium, Messi selected the Brazilian Vinícius Jr., who went on to be crowned Player of the Year. This vote reflects Messi’s admiration for Vini Jr.’s talent and consistency, as he solidified his global presence after an outstanding season.

The Final Result and Messi's Legacy

As for the final results, Vinícius Jr. was named Player of the Year, surpassing Rodri, who finished in second place. Messi, for his part, ended up in sixth place, with 25 points. Although he didn’t manage to win the title again in 2024, his presence in the rankings remains a testament to his enduring legacy in global football.

Messi's recognition wasn’t limited to his own votes, as several captains and coaches included the Argentine star in their selections. Among them, Lionel Scaloni, his coach in Argentina, highlighted Messi by voting for him as the best player. Although the award went to Vinícius Jr., Messi’s vote reaffirms his position as one of the greatest figures in world football.