Lionel Messi is striving to become the first MLS player to receive the prestigious award, which has been won by both Pele and Maradona.

Lionel Messi is striving to become the first MLS player to receive the prestigious award, which has been won by both Pele and Maradona.

TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 05: Inter Miami CF Forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates during the MLS soccer regular season game between the Inter Miami CF and Toronto FC on October 5, 2024, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Lionel Messi has yet to receive a significant number of awards or accolades in his career; however, he is currently focused on achieving one that has eluded him thus far.

Messi was recently awarded the 2024 MLS MVP and currently holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or victories with eight.

Messi’s peers continue to hold him in high regard, as evidenced by Cole Palmer’s recent declaration that he is “the best ever.”Last year, Luis Suarez, Messi’s current colleague, placed second in the award with his former club Gremio.

The award has never been won by a player in the MLS and was last won by a player playing outside of South America in 2007, when Salvador Cabanas earned the award while playing for Mexican side Club America.

On January 18, 2025, Inter Miami will participate in one of Javier Mascherano’s preseason friendlies against Club America.

Messi failed to retain his FIFA The Best award by finishing in sixth place, despite this. However, he will be striving to improve upon his previous performance in his most recent award nomination.