It is important to note that the FIFA Best Award is subjective and can generate diverse opinions. While Lionel Messi’s exceptional skills and achievements cannot be denied, there are some arguments that suggest he may not be the most deserving recipient of the FIFA Best 2023 award. Here are five reasons to consider:

Team Performance: Messi’s individual brilliance is undeniable, but when evaluating the FIFA Best Award, team performance should also be taken into account. In the 2022-2023 season, Messi’s club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), did not win any major trophies. While Messi’s personal statistics were impressive, it is worth considering the impact of team success on individual accolades.

International Achievement: The FIFA Best Award recognizes players’ contributions at both club and international levels. In 2023, Argentina won the Copa America, a significant achievement for the national team. However, Messi’s performance in the tournament was not exceptional compared to other players. Some argue that players who had a more significant impact on their national teams’ success should be given higher consideration for the award.

Consistency Throughout the Year: While Messi had outstanding performances during certain periods of the year, his consistency throughout the entire year could be questioned. Other players, such as Robert Lewandowski or Mohamed Salah, have demonstrated consistent excellence throughout the season, which is an important factor to consider when evaluating the FIFA Best Award.

Individual Awards vs. Team Success: The FIFA Best Award is often seen as an individual recognition, but it is important to balance individual brilliance with team success. Messi’s individual achievements are unquestionable, but if the award is seen as a reflection of the player’s impact on team success, there may be other contenders who had a more significant influence on their teams’ achievements.

Subjectivity of the Award: Ultimately, the FIFA Best Award is a subjective recognition, and opinions may differ on who is the most deserving recipient. Some may argue that Messi’s reputation and past achievements played a role in his selection, rather than solely evaluating his performance in the respective year.

It’s essential to remember that these points are not meant to diminish Messi’s incredible talent or his impact on the game. However, they provide a perspective on why some may believe that he may not be the most deserving recipient of the FIFA Best 2023 award.