Lionel Messi FIFA The Best nomination branded a 'disgrace' as Inter Miami star told he wasn't even Argentina's best player in 2024

Messi is among 11 names put forward to win The Best FIFA Men's Player prize, alongside the likes of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe. Messi captained Argentina to Copa America glory in the summer and scored 23 goals in just 25 games as his Inter Miami side reached the MLS playoffs.

However, the Herons crashed out of the playoffs in the first round, losing to Atlanta United, while Messi managed just one goal in the Copa America as Lautaro Martinez finished as the tournament's top scorer. Aguirre argued that the Inter star should have been among the nominees instead of the 37-year-old.

"We have been paying tribute to Messi for winning a World Cup, it's a disgrace. It is disrespectful to people who follow football," he said on TNT Sports. "Lautaro Martinez won the Copa America, was the best player of the Argentine National Team and is not [recognised by FIFA for this award]."

The 2022 World Cup winner has played his final game of 2024 and will enjoy a break ahead of the new season. The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony, meanwhile, will take place in January.