As of: January 22, 2024, 8:33 a.m
By: Alexander Kaindl
Comments
Press
Split
Lionel Messi is once again FIFA's world footballer, beating Erling Haaland.
The choice brings surprised faces – and awkward moments of silence.
London – The scene could hardly have been more oppressive.
On Monday evening, Lionel Messi was named FIFA World Player of the Year 2023.
The superstar himself was not present at the ceremony in London - and it was not just this fact that caused incredulous faces in the audience at the gala.
World footballer election: Messi wins, but is not there - and everyone is silent
The fact that Messi once again won “The Best” award – not to be confused with the Ballon d'Or – irritated many guests of honor.
Above all, of course, Alf-Inge Haaland, the father of Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland.
Immediately after the announcement, the camera panned to him.
His facial expression?
Mildly surprised would probably be an understatement.
After the applause quickly died down, awkward moments of silence followed.
No Messi to collect the trophy.
And anyway: What has the aging Argentine already achieved in 2023?
Fans, journalists and experts asked themselves this question in the evening.
Lionel Messi has been named FIFA World Player of the Year.
Ultimately, Thierry Henry was unable to present the trophy.
© Crystal Pix / NurPhoto / Imago
Lothar Matthäus cannot understand Messi's choice
A number of former members expressed their lack of understanding after the election.
Lothar Matthäus expressed clear criticism: “He can’t be the winner this time,” said the 62-year-old on
Sky
: “I think he was the best footballer of the last 20 years, but he has Paris and Miami, where he is is now creating a hype, no major titles have been won.”
He would have rather seen Haaland as a deserving winner: “If you go by 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 ManCity and his hit rate was impressive.
That should be crucial when choosing the best and most important player – and that was Haaland.”
Norway frustration after decision for Messi and against Haaland
There was also deep frustration in Haaland's homeland.
Former Bundesliga professional Jan Aage Fjörtoft was outraged at
X
: “How can Erling Haaland not be the best player in 2023?
If awards like these want to gain recognition among players, they need to stop.
The prizes will end up being worthless.”
My news
Cause of death of Kay Bernstein († 43): Public prosecutor's office comments after autopsy reading
Where and when will the European Championship 2024 take place?
All dates and stages at a glance
Werder madness!!!
Weiser's feat shocks the Bavarian readers
Walter Beckenbauer finds touching words for Brother Franzlesen
European Championship 2024 schedule: When you should take vacation read
“Feel yelled at”: Hertha players stunned by the death of President Bernsteinlesen
Ex-professional and TV expert Carl-Erik Torp went even further: “I have to calm down a bit first.
I'm surprised.
I would say this is a scandal.”
FIFA World Players 2023: The decisive period was from December 19, 2022 to August 20, 2023
The decisive factor for the election, in which all coaches and captains of the national teams as well as specialist journalists and fans were entitled to vote, was officially the period from December 19, 2022, the day after Argentina's World Cup victory, to August 20, 2023 - when Messi was still playing together Kylian Mbappé at PSG.
The decision was extremely close: Messi and Haaland were tied in the complicated points system, with only the votes of the team captains making the difference.
Ilkay Gündogan, for example, voted for his ex-colleague Haaland.
Bayern star Harry Kane, however, for Messi.
Thierry Henry tries to lighten the awkward silence with a Tottenham joke
Either way: Thierry Henry, who hosted the gala together with Reshmin Chowdhury, tried to save the awkward moment of silence.
When no one came on stage to accept the Messi award, he asked his colleague: "You're a Tottenham fan, aren't you?"
You should take them - because you don't normally get your hands on trophies." The Arsenal legend was alluding to arch-enemy Tottenham's chronic lack of success.
Laughter and brief applause followed.
But the moderator duo didn't really know what to do with this moment.
After another short break, Henry and Chowdhury continued to lead the ceremony.
(akl/sid/dpa)