“These Awards Are Rotten” – Cristiano Ronaldo’s Friend Blasts the Best FIFA Awards After Lionel Messi’s Win

Quite a few soccer fans were not expecting Lionel Messi to win the FIFA Best Award. After all, the Inter Miami ace has delivered much better seasons. There has been plenty of debate & discussion regarding the credibility of these awards. One particular pundit, who happens to be a great mate of Cristiano Ronaldo has lashed out, deeming it shameful. It does not look like Edu Aguirre is a big fan of the result.

This is the 3rd time Lionel Messi clinched the FIFA Best Award. He overcame Erling Haaland & Kylian Mbappe by the slightest of margins in the final rankings. Yet, the decision has its fair share of naysayers.

After another Cristiano Ronaldo snub, his pal exploded deeming FIFA Best Award, ‘another tribute’ to honor Messi

Edu Aguirre from El Chiringuito knows Cristiano Ronaldo quite well from his time at Real Madrid. However, it seems he has lost faith in these individual prizes, as per his recent statement. He said on his show, “It is the greatest shame in the history of football. These awards are rotten, it is another tribute to Messi.” Aguirre was devastated that his pal was overlooked for the accolade in the first place. However, keeping their friendship aside, the critique on the awards panel seems to be for good reason.

In 2023, no soccer player has scored more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo. With 54 goals in the calendar year, the 38-year-old even took the IFFHS Best Goal-scorer award. He didn’t even make the FIFA Best XI, let alone be a finalist for the Best Award. The feeling was undoubtedly similar in the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony when Haaland & Mbappe produced impressive statistics but were snubbed altogether.

Without a doubt, The Best Award & the Ballon d’Or have left people confused as to what the criteria are. Because, even with trophies & numbers, it is hard to suggest that Lionel Messi deserved the prizes over players who were part of a treble-winning European team.

Were Lionel Messi’s numbers good enough to win over Man City stars?

In 2023, Messi racked up 24 goals for PSG, Inter Miami & Argentina. Although impressive for his age, they pale in comparison to someone like an Erling Haaland who scored 50 in the year. Moreover, the Argentine’s achievements included the Ligue 1 title & Leagues Cup with Inter Miami compared to the Norwegian goalscorer’s treble.

Read More: Lionel Messi Ditches 2023 The Best FIFA Ceremony as Erling Haaland Favorite to Win Over Kylian Mbappe: Reports

While the ‘FIFA World Cup’ was decisive in his Ballon d’Or victory, it fell out of the timeframe for the Best award. Hence, Manchester City stars like Rodri, Kevin de Bruyne & Erling Haaland himself would be feeling hard done by this result. After all, Haaland himself was the unfortunate player who finished 2nd to Lionel Messi in the Ballon d’Or race.

Do you think Lionel Messi deserved to win this prize? Tell us below.

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