The Best FIFA football awards have been creating quite a stir amongst the football fraternity and fans, as it always does every year. Multiple shocking decisions from the panel, and some heavily controversial picks have also taken place this year. Amidst other notable moments from the glittery award affair, a highly notable moment involved Lionel Messi. In the category of best manager for 2025, Lionel Messi picked Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta over Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Lionel Messi voted for Luis Enrique in first place, given his heroics in PSG’s historic season. Messi then went on to pick Hansi Flick, the Barcelona manager, in second place, followed by Mikel Arteta in third place.
Lionel Messi snubs Guardiola
It was a rather shocking moment for the footballing world to watch Messi prefer Mikel Arteta over Pep Guardiola. I mention shocking because of how closely-knit the relationship between Guardiola and Messi has always been. Ever since Messi’s early days at Barcelona, Guardiola has always been a mentor figure through it all. Both Messi and Guardiola have been heroes that Barcelona fans have grown fond of over the years. The pair have tasted great success together at the club.
It must be noted that Lionel Messi and Guardiola haven’t been a part of the same club since the latter’s departure from Barcelona in 2012. Messi was heavily linked to Manchester City in multiple transfer windows. However, the move failed to materialise. As both of them move towards the back end of their careers, it is understandable that Messi preferred Mikel Arteta over the legendary Pep Guardiola. Manchester City failed to emulate their previous season’s success last season. They finished trophyless and third in the league.
Arteta’s rise and Guardiola’s fall
Messi picking Arteta over Guardiola makes a lot of sense upon careful reflection. Arteta’s season at Arsenal was a season of progress. Whereas Guardiola’s season at Manchester City was more of a letdown. Arteta’s Arsenal intensely competed in the Premier League. However, they lost to PSG in the semi-final. In the Premier League, they managed to stay in the title fight for the majority of the season. However, Arne Slot’s Liverpool were too good throughout the season.
On the other hand, Pep Guardiola had a difficult season with Manchester City. The club and Guardiola have been used to consistent success over the years. With a historic league four-peat and a treble in the last four seasons. So, last season was a rather disappointing outing. Manchester City finished third in the league, and they failed to be in the title fight. They had a failed campaign in the Champions League as well.
Messi’s vote in the FIFA Best Awards
Lionel Messi is one of the most well-known personalities on the planet. So it is an obvious response from the media and fans to create headlines about the Argentinian’s vote in the Best Awards. Messi also cast his vote in the player category. Messi ranked Ousmane Dembélé first, Kylian Mbappé second, and Lamine Yamal third.
Recognition for Arteta
Mikel Arteta has been used to criticism. He has been regularly scrutinised for his lack of trophies. However, the Spaniard has continued to make progress with Arsenal over the years. A man used to criticism would’ve loved the recognition he received from someone like Lionel Messi. He will look to materialise the progress. And the best way to do that is by winning trophies.
Conclusion
The Best Awards continues to make headlines for a lot of different reasons. However, Messi voting for Arteta over Guardiola is a headline that all football fans would take a moment to read about. Arteta continues to build a superteam at Arsenal. Whereas Guardiola will have to look for answers amidst a lot of questions at Manchester City.
As featured on ManCityNews.com
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