'Not doing things fairly' - Lionel Messi's FIFA Best triumph mocked by Iker Casillas as Real Madrid legend insists the award should be renamed 'The Smile'

The legendary former goalkeeper is clearly not convinced that Argentine superstar Messi – who boasts strong ties to Barcelona from his record-breaking spell at Camp Nou – should have been recognised as the best player on the planet in 2023.

Votes did, however, fall in Messi’s favour – with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner edging out Manchester City striker Erling Haaland courtesy of being ranked in first place by more national team captains, after seeing the pair finish on the same number of points.

Casillas believes sentiment played a part in that process, with Messi emerging victorious on the back of helping his country to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022. He believes others are more deserving of ‘The Best’ tag and has posted on social media: “You create some nice prizes and you are taking them away by not doing things fairly. ‘The Smile’ more like. Anyway, good night!”

Casillas has previously stated that he considers former Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo to be football’s GOAT, with Messi being snubbed there, so his questioning of the FIFA Best poll should come as no surprise. Messi, though, will care little for what any critics have to say as he has another prestigious prize for his collection.