Lionel Messi told he 'has not won any major titles' at Inter Miami as Lothar Matthaus rages over Erling Haaland's defeat to Argentina superstar in final FIFA Best vote

The Argentine icon has been recognised by his peers as the best player on the planet, with another individual prize allowing him to make more history. Messi did inspire Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, landing him an eighth Ballon d’Or, and that success continues to influence voting in prestigious polls.

Messi finished level on points with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in the FIFA Best vote, but took top prize courtesy of more first place nods from international team captains. Former Germany skipper Matthaus thinks such a standing is undeserved, telling Sky Deutschland: “He can't be the winner this time. I think he was the best footballer of the last 20 years, but he has been in Paris and Miami, where he is now creating a hype, and not won any major titles.”

Matthaus, who won the World Cup and Ballon d’Or in 1990, went on to say of why Messi should have been overlooked this time around: “If you look at the great successes, there is no way past Manchester City and - when choosing the best player - Erling Haaland. He won the most important titles with Man City, his strike rate was impressive. That should be be decisive when you choose the best and most important player - and that was Haaland.”

Haaland helped City to a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League Treble in 2023, while Messi claimed his second Ligue 1 title at Paris Saint-Germain before guiding Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory on the back of his stunning move to the United States.