Only the striker Julián Alvarez from Argentina's World Cup-winning squad and Messi made the list of nominees. Cristiano Ronaldo was not included on the 14-player shortlist for the annual Best FIFA Men's Player award for the first time. However, the list of nominations includes the other top names of FIFA, like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. This is a shock despite millions of fans hurdling to get tickets on Messi Vs. Ronaldo matches.

Ronaldo's History with the FIFA Fan Award

Ronaldo won the FIFA award the first two times it was given out — in 2016 and 2017 — and was among the three finalists the following three years. However, he was dismissed by Manchester United and was benched by Portugal during the World Cup. For the first time, a FIFA-appointed expert panel did not even consider him as a contender.

After merging with the annual Ballon d'Or for six years, the old FIFA World Player of the Year Award was rebranded in 2016.

Last year, when Robert Lewandowski triumphed for the second consecutive year ahead of Messi and Mohamed Salah, Ronaldo came in seventh in the vote. The 37-year-old Portuguese legend reportedly ended his European club career last month when he joined Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr.

Nominations

• The striker Julián lvarez from Argentina's World Cup-winning squad and Messi made to the list of nominees.
• Only four players nominated in the list, including Lewandowski, did not participate in the World Cup.
• The 2022 Ballon d'Or winners Karim Benzema and Sadio Mané suffered injuries before the Qatar tournament. Erling Haaland and Salah were absent since their respective nations, Norway and Egypt, failed to qualify.
• Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, Achraf Hakimi, Luka Modric, Neymar, and Vinicius Junior are the other nominees.
• Alexia Putellas, the 2017 Ballon d'Or winner, is one of 14 players up for the Best FIFA Women's Player award. Beth Mead, Keira Walsh, and Leah Williamson, all from the victorious England team in Europe, are also on the list. Due to an injury, Spain's playmaker Putella could not compete in England.
• The lone member of the American squad that will be defending their World Cup championship this year is Alex Morgan.
• Lionel Scaloni of Argentina is one of five candidates for the men's coaching award, along with Walid Regragui of Morocco, the first African team to attend the World Cup semifinals.
• The other coach nominees are Didier Deschamps of France, Pep Guardiola of Manchester City, and Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid.
• Sarina Wiegman, the Netherlands-born coach of England, is one of six candidates for the women's soccer coaching award.

Award for The Best Coach Nominees

Two of the 11 goals up for the Puskas Award were scored at the World Cup: Richarlison's bicycle kick for Brazil against Serbia and Mbappé's volleyed second goal against Argentina in the championship.

FIFA praised Japanese supporters for their World Cup custom of lingering behind after games to tidy the stadium and noted Argentina fans for their zeal in Qatar and the passion displayed while welcoming the victorious team to their country.

Voting & Results of Best FIFA Men's Player Award

Worldwide national team leaders, coaches, and a few journalists cast their votes, and an online fan poll is open until February 3.

The winners were revealed during a ceremony on February 27 in Paris.

Al-Hilal, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr Rivals, Are Planning to Offer Lionel Messi a Massive Contract

Lionel Messi will soon receive a mouthwatering contract from Al-Hilal for up to £288 million annually.

The 35-year-old might be on the verge of leaving Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain this summer since he has just under six months left on his current contract. In 20 games for PSG this season, Messi has scored an astounding 13 goals and contributed 14 assists. He also scored seven goals during the World Cup in Qatar.

According to the betting site ggbetss.com customers placed the maximum number of bets on matches involving the footballer in the championship. Which is not at all surprising, given his results. By the way, GGBet is a bookmaker that offers not only football bets, but also on cyber FIFA. Therefore, many fans can bet on matches on the famous eSport, which is also played by real football players.

According to reports, Inter Miami is very interested in the former Barcelona player, and David Beckham is considering a transfer to Major League Soccer. While Messi himself has said he would be eager to play in the US before his career ends, the ex-Manchester United midfielder has long bragged about the possibility of a superstar like Messi joining his MLS team.

The Mega Battle of Messi Vs. Ronaldo May Continue in The Middle East

However, after rival Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr finalized the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo last month, Mundo Deportivo claims that Saudi Arabian powerhouses Al-Hilal are preparing a mega-money bid for Messi. Messi would surpass Ronaldo as the highest-paid player in the world with the rumored amount.

On December 30, Ronaldo signed a £173 million deal with Al-Nassr following his contentious departure from Manchester United, during which he criticized the team, the Glazers, and manager Erik ten Hag. Over the previous 20 years, the 37-year-old has competed against Messi for individual and team honors, which may continue in the Middle East.