Three Titans: Messi, Vinicius, Rodri to define 2024 FIFA’s Best?
The FIFA Best Men’s Player Award for 2025 is shaping up to be a highly competitive race among Lionel Messi, Vinicius Junior, and Rodri, each of whom has had an exceptional year from December 2023 to December 2024. Here’s an in-depth analysis of their performances, goal records, trophies won, and personal achievements:
Lionel Messi
Despite his move to Inter Miami in the MLS, Messi remains a dominant force on the global stage. For his club, he led Inter Miami to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, breaking several MLS records along the way. Internationally, Messi captained Argentina to another Copa América 2024 victory, securing a back to back triumph. Additionally, his performances during the World Cup qualifiers kept Argentina among the top contenders.
Messi’s ability to maintain elite-level performances at age 37, including creating key moments and breaking goal-scoring records, keeps him in contention. However, playing in a less competitive league like MLS might impact his chances compared to his European counterparts.
Vinicius Junior
The Brazilian winger enjoyed a stellar year with Real Madrid, leading them to a La Liga and UEFA Champions League double. Vinicius was pivotal in Real Madrid’s attacking play, scoring 26 goals and providing 11 assists in 49 matches across all competitions. His partnership with Jude Bellingham in Madrid’s attack has been one of the most productive in world football.
On the international stage, Vinicius is a key player for Brazil, however he has not been able to replicate his Real Madrid magic for the Brazilian national team. His individual skill, pace, and creativity have established him as one of the brightest stars in football, and he finished runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d’Or, underscoring his growing influence.
Rodri
The Spanish midfielder had arguably the most well-rounded year, excelling for both Manchester City and Spain. Rodri was the talisman in City’s midfield as they achieved another Premier League triumph over close rival Arsenal in 2024. His ability to control games, break up opposition play, and deliver key goals, including his decisive strikes during the 2024 Euros for Spain earned him the 2024 Ballon d’Or, making him one of the best players in the world.
For Spain, Rodri was equally influential, leading his national team to victory in Euro 2024, where he was named Player of the Tournament. His performances highlighted his tactical intelligence, work rate, and leadership qualities.
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Key Comparisons
As typical of the award which is usually judged based on the nominated players performance in a calendar year, the amount of trophies won, the players impact for club and country as well as individual recognition that was received like best player of the match awards and best player of the tournament.
Trophies
- Messi: Copa América 2024, Leagues Cup 2023, Supporters’ Shield 2024.
- Vinicius: La Liga, UEFA Champions League 2024.
- Rodri: Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, Euro 2024.
Individual Accolades
- Messi: Most Valuable player in the MLS, IFFHS best playmaker award winner
- Vinícius: Runner-up in the Ballon d’Or 2024.
- Rodri: Ballon d’Or 2024, Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament.
Impact
- Messi continues to be a leader and game-changer for club and country, inspiring his team to multiple cup victories and matches.
- Vinícius has emerged as a consistent match-winner in crucial games, his goal scoring ability in the Champions League and the la Liga set him for the prestigious award.
- Rodri’s contributions in midfield have been unmatched in terms of balance and consistency, his ability to fault opposition attacks and provide goal scoring opportunities for team mates has made him one of the midfielders in the world.
Prediction
Rodri’s dominance at both club and international levels, highlighted by his Ballon d’Or win and role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, places him as the frontrunner for the FIFA Best Men’s Player award. However, Messi’s enduring brilliance over the years and his history of wining the award, while Vinícius’s attacking exploits which has earned him the admiration from fans and sports pundits could make the upcoming award a closely contested race.
Prediction: Rodri edges out the competition to win the award, with Vinícius and Messi as runners-up.
