Source: REUTERS/RODRIGO VALLE
[Saba Sports News] Recently, FIFA announced the candidates for the 2024 Player of the Year award, with 37-year-old Lionel Messi prominently featured. The voting period covers from August 21, 2023, to August 10, 2024, including the entire 23/24 season and the two major summer tournaments (the European Championship and the Copa America), excluding data and honors from the current season so far. Notably, FIFA’s official website praised Messi’s impact on Inter Miami and his performance in the Copa America. FIFA’s remarks on Messi’s nomination stated: “Although Messi is 37 years old, he still has a tremendous impact on Inter Miami and Argentina. After helping his team win the 2023 League Cup, he inspired them to win the 2024 Supporters Shield—setting a points record for the MLS regular season champions. Messi led Argentina to victory in the Copa America as captain and finished as the top scorer in the South American World Cup qualifiers with six goals this year.” Messi has previously won the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023. Do you think he can achieve a hat-trick this time?