Lionel Messi finishes sixth in The Best FIFA Men's Player vote as full rankings revealed after Vinicius Jr's victory

Messi, who has won The Best FIFA Men's Player award three times in his career, was nominated for the prize once again in 2024 after an impressive debut campaign in MLS with Inter Miami and helping Argentina defend their Copa America crown last summer. Questions were raised over the 37-year-old's nomination as he was told that he was not even the best player for La Albiceleste in 2024.

On Tuesday, the award ceremony took place in Qatar, with Vinicius Junior bagging The Best FIFA Men's Player award. Ballon d'Or winner Rodri finished second behind the Real Madrid star while Jude Bellingham finished third. Dani Carvajal and Lamine Yamal came immediately ahead of Messi in fourth and fifth respectively. Following on from the Argentine were the retired Toni Kroos (seventh), Erling Haaland (eighth), Kylian Mbappe (ninth), Florian Wirtz (tenth) and Federico Valverde (eleventh)

After a forgetful campaign with club and country in 2024, Messi's former team-mate Mbappe missed out on a FIFPro Men's World XI spot even though Real Madrid stars dominated the selection. Carlo Ancelotti was given The Best FIFA Men's Coach award.

The World Cup-winning Argentina captain is enjoying a well-earned break after a hectic MLS season where the Herons won their maiden Supporters' Shield title, but were eliminated early on in the playoffs.