The votes cast by Barcelona legend Lionel Messi for this year’s ‘The Best’ award have on Tuesday been revealed.
FIFA’s The Best ceremony, of course, took place earlier this evening.
The most coveted prize up for grabs at the ceremony came in the form of ‘The Best Player’, widely considered, after the Ballon d’Or, as the most prestigious individual trophy in world football.
After missing out on the ‘Golden Ball’ in dramatic circumstances back in October, Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. on this occasion emerged triumphant, just rewards for a brilliant season in 2023/24.
Of the votes cast for the Brazilian, one such point came by way of the aforementioned Lionel Messi, who placed Vinícius in 3rd on his ballot.
One above in 2nd was fellow Real Madrid star and Messi’s one-team teammate at PSG – Kylian Mbappé.
This left top spot on the Argentine icon’s ballot for the player considered by many to be Messi’s heir, in the form of Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal.
> Lionel Messi voted for Lamine Yamal as the FIFA Best Men's Player of the Year 🏆
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> Barcelona heritage 🥹❤️ [pic.twitter.com/U3zTHBBjKS](https://t.co/U3zTHBBjKS)