Lionel Messi & Argentina Dominate IFFHS Men’s Conmebol Team 2023

Lionel Messi is ageing like fine wine. Even at 36, to many, he is still the world’s best player and the recent Ballon d’Or serves as proof. The accolades keep piling for the Inter Miami ace, who was recently selected in the IFFHS World XI. On this note, Messi has made it into the IFFHS Conmebol team of 2023, based on the best South American Players. The Argentine is also joined by some of his national teammates.

Following their World Cup victory, Argentina had a stunning 2023. They lost just 1 game all year while beating Brazil on their home turf.

Lionel Messi & 5 other La Albiceleste teammates in the IFFHS Conmbol Team of 2023

IFFHS has released their list of the best South American players for 2023, with the list boasting a major Argentine presence. Brazilian Goalkeeper Ederson is the man in the sticks while the 3-man defence features Nicolas Otamendi, Cristiano Romero & Ronald Araujo.

The midfield has an interesting selection, with Alexis Macallister and Frederico Valverde joined by Lionel Messi. A right-winger by trade, the inclusion of Messi as a midfielder is quite surprising. However, it has to be noted that Messi drops deep a lot more now and plays similarly to an attacking midfielder rather than an orthodox winger.

Read More: Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi & Kylian Mbappe Highlight IFFHS Men’s World XI for 2023

The 4-man attack features Darwin Nunez & Vinicius Junior on the flanks. German Cano & Lautaro Martinez are the chosen centre-forwards. However, the inclusion of Darwin Nunez is indeed surprising considering his inconsistent form for his club Liverpool. It seems Nunez’s inclusion has resulted in another Argentine attacker missing out. A surprising omission considering his performances in 2023.

Despite trophies galore, Man City hitman fails to make the cut

Julian Alvarez had a memorable 2023. He has 6 goals & 6 assists in the Premier League for Man City this campaign. His double in the final also helped City win the FIFA Club World Cup. Besides, that, Alvarez also played a key role in Man City’s treble win. Yet, he has not been selected in the Conmebol team.

Other than Lionel Messi, it is very difficult to claim that another Argentine player has had a better year than the Man City attacker. However, what seems to be going against Alvarez seems to be his high-profile teammates. Despite being an elite player himself, Alvarez often finds himself behind Erling Haaland in the pecking order. Nothing to be shamed for, considering Haaland was the IFFHS POTY in 2023.

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