The International Football Federation, FIFA, included Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami forward from Argentina, on a list of players widely regarded as contenders for the best player of 2024. The document, published on the federation’s official site, places Messi among a global group whose performances across major leagues and international assignments drew attention from fans, analysts, and clubs alike. The list is a snapshot of talent in a year when Messi has continued to shape a new chapter in MLS while keeping the broader conversation about who leads world football very much alive. Throughout the season, observers compare his influence on games, leadership in the locker room, and ability to create moments that lift entire teams. The recognition signals the ongoing respect for Messi’s career and his ongoing impact on the game well beyond his domestic league. Sources: FIFA official 2024 top players list.
Joining Messi on the list are a set of names familiar to fans of European football and beyond. Jude Bellingham remains a defining midfield presence with a rare blend of pace, vision, and endurance. Vinícius Júnior continues to dazzle with dribbling flair and decisive finishes. Federico Valverde brings energy from box to box; Dani Carvajal anchors the defense with reliability; Toni Kroos demonstrates intelligence and precision, while Kylian Mbappé remains a constant threat. All are associated with Real Madrid, highlighting the club’s continued influence at the top level. Across the project, Erling Haaland and Rodri from Manchester City add devastating goals and control. Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen contributes with creative impact, and Lamine Yamal from Barcelona is highlighted for his breakout potential and technical mastery. This constellation of names underscores a year when talent is spread across leagues and continents. The list does not alone define success, but it captures a moment when many players stood out for consistent excellence.
Reports following the season confirmed Rodri as the Ballon d’Or winner for 2024, with Lionel Messi notably absent from the final shortlist of candidates. The award, which recognizes European excellence across competitions, often stirs debate about the balance between individual brilliance and team achievements. Messi’s omission from the finalists does not erase his recent achievements or his continuing influence at Inter Miami, where his presence continues to shape the club’s profile and the growth of the MLS fanbase. Analysts note that player movements, injuries, and tactical shifts all influence such honors, and Messi’s contributions across the year still remain deeply influential in discussions about greatness.
Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami occurred in the summer of 2023, marking a landmark moment for American soccer and for MLS. The move brought a level of global attention that few players can match, as fans descended on stadiums and broadcasts brought in record viewing figures. On August 20 last year, Messi helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup, the club’s first trophy in the Americas. The achievement added another chapter to his storied career and highlighted the potential for MLS to attract marquee players who shape the sport’s growth in the United States and Canada.
In December 2022, Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, securing the ultimate prize and placing himself among the rare athletes who have won football’s most coveted title. He also added to his national-team goal tally, pushing past the 100-goal mark, a milestone that underscores his enduring scoring prowess for his country.
On the night of November 10, Inter Miami were eliminated in the eighth finals of the playoffs by Atlanta United; the match finished 3-2 with Messi scoring one goal, but the loss ended their campaign. Atlanta’s lineup included Russian midfielder Alexey Miranchuk, who contributed to the dramatic finish as Miami’s title bid crumbled in the knockout stage. The defeat left the club short of advancing to the next round and sparked reflections on the club’s trajectory and Messi’s role in its long-term strategy.
Messi’s status at Inter Miami has been closely watched by supporters and analysts alike, as his presence redefines expectations around MLS, the global appeal of the league, and the future possibilities for star signings in North America. His ongoing performances, leadership, and endurance continue to influence both the club’s ambitions and the broader conversations about the development of soccer in the United States and Canada.
Citations: FIFA official 2024 top players list.