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FIFPro announced the FIFA Men's Team of the Year 2024, but in a surprising move, the list excluded legendary Argentina superstar Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. With this announcement, Messi's 17 years of record streak finally came to an end. Ronaldo, on the other hand, was on the team for 16 years previous to 2023. Messi last missed out on FIFPro World XI in 2006. The legendary footballers failed to get enlisted along with names like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior claiming three forward spots in 2024.
In the 2023-24 season, Messi, who plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), helped Argentina regain its Copa America championship. Messi also led Inter Miami to the MLS Supporters' Shield win this season. The 37-year-old scored 23 goals and assisted 13 times for Inter Miami in 2024. Despite his impressive game in both clubs, he got overlooked. Similarly, Ronaldo, who is having a great time with Al-Nassar failed to make it to the list.
Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne acquire top spot in FIFPro XI
The midfield included Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid and England, Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City and Belgium, Toni Kroos from Real Madrid and Germany, and Rodri from Manchester City and Spain. The forwards included Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Norway, Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid and France, and Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid and Brazil. This year's selection reflected a transition in football's elite players, with younger stars such as Haaland and Mbappe taking centre stage.
The absence of Messi and Ronaldo represents a dramatic shift in the landscape of global football recognition. Meanwhile, Liverpool's in-form star Mohamed Salah was also an omission from last week's nominations. The Egyptian attacker displayed great performance in the current season, scoring a joint-high 13 goals in the English Premier League and helping the Reds rule the standings with only one loss in their first 14 games.
Since 2005, FIFPRO has invited the world's professional footballers to select their World 11. It is the only global football award determined solely by the players.
