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Inter Miami ace Lionel Messi and former Real Madrid star Toni Kroos have both been nominated as candidates for FIFA's The Best Men's Player of the Year for 2024. The official 11-man shortlist for the award was revealed by FIFA ahead of voting for the winner to emerge.
A prestigious individual honor, the last two editions of FIFA's The Best Men's Player of the Year have been won by Lionel Messi. The 37-year-old is in contention to win the award for a third successive year after helping Inter Miami and Argentina win silverware this year. He scored 21 MLS goals and provided 11 assists in only 22 appearances in the regular season as his side won the Supporters' Shield in record-breaking fashion.
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Alongside Messi, retired Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has made the shortlist after an impressive year for club and country. He helped his club win the UEFA Champions League and LaLiga in his final season, the 2023-24 season. He also returned to the German national team, recording an assist seven seconds into his return and featuring prominently at Euro 2024.
Manchester City star and 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri has also been nominated for the award, alongside rival Vinicius Jr. Real Madrid were well-represented in the shortlist, with Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Dani Carvajal, and Kylian Mbappe also making the list of nominees.
Erling Haaland makes the shortlist after winning a second successive Premier League Golden Boot, and Florian Wirtz was nominated after helping Bayer Leverkusen achieve a historic season. Barcelona's 17-year-old boy wonder Lamine Yamal was also nominated for the award after a terrific season for club and country in 2024.
The award ceremony will be held in January 2025 to crown the winner of the award for this year. Fans will have the chance to vote for the first time, as their votes make up 25% of the total votes. The other 75% will come from national team coaches, captains, and journalists.
Lionel Messi set to receive contract offer from Inter Miami - Reports
Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is set to receive a contract offer from the MLS side to keep him on their books until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 37-year-old is presently set to run out of a contract at the end of the 2025 MLS season, and the Herons hope to keep him.
Inter Miami have benefitted greatly from Messi joining them, winning two titles in the former Barcelona star's 16 months with them so far. A report from TyC Sports indicates that the Herons are keen to keep their relationship going, and will offer Messi an extension ahead of the new season.
Inter Miami have already signed Luis Suarez for one more year, and are prepared to do the same to Lionel Messi. The club's co-owner Jorge Mas revealed last week that he hopes to see Messi feature when the club moves into their new stadium in 2026, also.
