Lothar Matthaus has taken aim at Lionel Messi again, claiming that he did not deserve the FIFA Best Award after failing to win “major titles” in 2023.

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Argentine superstar recognised by his peersEdged out Man City striker in dramatic voteFormer Germany star left stunned by resultWHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentine icon has been recognised by his peers as the best player on the planet, with another individual prize allowing him to make more history. Messi did inspire Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, landing him an eighth Ballon d’Or, and that success continues to influence voting in prestigious polls.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT MATTHAUS SAID ABOUT MESSI

Messi finished level on points with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in the FIFA Best vote, but took top prize courtesy of more first place nods from international team captains. Former Germany skipper Matthaus thinks such a standing is undeserved, telling : “He can't be the winner this time. I think he was the best footballer of the last 20 years, but he has been in Paris and Miami, where he is now creating a hype, and not won any major titles.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Matthaus, who won the World Cup and Ballon d’Or in 1990, went on to say of why Messi should have been overlooked this time around: “If you look at the great successes, there is no way past Manchester City and – when choosing the best player – Erling Haaland. He won the most important titles with Man City, his strike rate was impressive. That should be be decisive when you choose the best and most important player – and that was Haaland.”

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Haaland helped City to a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League Treble in 2023, while Messi claimed his second Ligue 1 title at Paris Saint-Germain before guiding Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory on the back of his stunning move to the United States.