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Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni chose Lionel Messi as his top pick for the 2024 FIFA The Best Men's Player award. The award was presented in Doha, Qatar on December 17.
Under Scaloni's guidance, Lionel Messi won his second consecutive Copa America in 2024. He was also impressive for Inter Miami as he led them to the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield. The Argentine legend recorded 23 goals and 13 assists in 25 appearances for the Herons across competitions.
However, Messi also remained out of the pitch for two months after injuring his ankle during the Copa America final. La Pulga missed 10 games for club and country.
Lionel Scaloni's top three picks for the 2024 FIFA The Best came to light after the organization released its official documents with everyone's votes. The Argentine tactician ranked Lionel Messi first, followed by Rodri and Jude Bellingham, respectively.
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Lionel Messi has previously won the prestigious honor thrice in his career - in 2019, 2022 and 2023. His last win in 2023 came after his historic 2022 FIFA World Cup winning campaign with La Albiceleste. The Inter Miami ace stood sixth in the rankings this year.
Lionel Messi voted for Lionel Scaloni for FIFA Coach of the Year award
As the captain of the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi's votes also count as a part of the FIFA The Best awards voting process. The legendary forward chose Lionel Scaloni as his first pick for the FIFA Coach of the Year award. Messi ranked Pep Guardiola and Luis de la Fuente in the second and third positions, respectively.
Lionel Scaloni had an impressive 2023-24 campaign as he led Argentina to the 2024 Copa America. La Albiceleste beat Colombia 1-0 in the final, courtesy of a Lautaro Martinez goal in extra time. Moreover, Argentina also stand first among CONMEBOL nations in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. They have won 25 points in 12 games.
Meanwhile, Messi's other two picks for best coach, Pep Guardiola and Luis de la Fuente, also had successful 2023-24 seasons. Guardiola won the Premier League with Manchester City. Meanwhile, Luis de la Fuente led Spain to triumph in the 2024 Euros.
Messi also voted for the FIFA The Best Men's Player of the Year award, picking Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal as the top candidate to win. La Pulga chose Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. in the second and third positions, respectively.
