Pagani’s opinion: the best must unquestionably go to Messi, Mbappé finished second

The appointment is this Monday at the Galle Pleyel in Paris. And there is a logical and capital expectation for the Argentines, who are now all football fans. The FIFA The Best awards for the year 2022 will be awarded. And what happened on December 18 of that year, the previous one, in Doha, Qatar? Simply the Selection was WORLD CHAMPION. Something that’s still beating this earth with full force over two months later. Because, moreover, with more seasoning, this third consecration of Argentine football arrived – according to an almost unanimous opinion – in the most dramatic final in professional history. And of course, the members of that team, their coach, and even the passionate fans (the loud fans in attendance) are nominated to receive the accolade.

The first to receive an award – and he undoubtedly must be – is Lionel Messi, the team captain – recognized for more than a decade as the “best player in the world”, who at the age of 35 allowed himself the last great pleasure that what was missing was to lift the World Cup. And he adds, in addition, having participated in the great intercontinental victory in the Finalísima against Italy (3-0) between the Champion of America (title conquered in and against Brazil in 2021) and the Champion of Europe, the June 1 of that glorious 2022. He was also crowned champion of the French league with PSG, his current team.

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Sure, he’s vying for the prize with Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, his teammate at PSG, top scorer at the World Cup, scorer of France’s three goals in the Qatar final and even one more on penalties. Merits abound. He is 24 years old and could be his successor in the future award for the “best”. But Messi was the world champion and was second.

The Best award was established by FIFA -exclusively- in 2016. First it shared the recognition with the French magazine France Football, then they dismantled the agreement and the magazine continued to award its Ballon d’Or. The previous awards had been won by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2016 and 2017, Modric in 2018, Messi in 2019 and Lewandowski in 2020 and 2021. To determine the candidates for The Best, captains, coaches, journalists and the vote of the public, divided into 25% for each compartment. Three candidates are chosen in order. The first adds 5 points, the second two and the third. The final sum defines the candidates.

The third of the nominees is the excellent Real Madrid centre-forward, Karim Benzema, League champion with his team. And also champion and scorer of the Champions League, a competition of enormous recognition in Europe. Benzema was a member of the French national team but was injured when he was in Doha and had to return to Spain to recover. It looked like he could reach the finals, but DT Deschamps never mentioned it again.

The second in importance should be the best for trainers. Logically there is in that trio Lionel Scaloni, world champion and pilot of a team that, in addition to the title, remained unbeaten in 36 matches (one of Italy’s record 37) lost in the first match of the World Cup against Saudi Arabia. He also coached in the victory over Italy in the final in June. Enough?

But it has a very strong rival: Charles Ancelotti, coach of Real Madrid. If it were based on his background, it would be unbeatable: he has been champion in the five most important leagues of Europe: England, Italy, Spain, Germany and France; and is the only winner of four Champions Leagues. Sure, but we’re only calculating 2022. And even here he didn’t miss anything as Real Madrid coach. He won the league and the Spanish Super Cup. And then the Champions League, the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup. All the team played by him.

The fight will be tough. The third, Pep Guardiola, the most famous. He has been champions with Manchester City, as well as several other times since arriving in 2016. But he has remained in debt in international competitions.

The third step is for the best archer. And here, of course, is the Dibu Martínez, responsible for the final save against Kolo Muani that could have meant the world title for France in the final moments of extra time. But he also saved crucial penalties against the Netherlands and against France themselves in the final. Furthermore, he was fundamental in specific interventions that contributed to the success of the team. It’s only dwarfed by some unrecognized attitudes since correctness. But his position on the list is indisputable.

Compete with the Belgian Thibaut Courtois who -like Ancelotti- won everything with Real Madrid. In a fight of flowers and not of Selections. And, of course, the blooper from the week before in the match against Liverpool for the Champions League will not be included, which, after all, remained an anecdote because Real won 5-2. Yassine Bounouwho played an excellent World Cup defending the Moroccan goal and who shines in Spanish Sevilla.

There is a fourth title that talks about “hobbies”. And here it is, without a doubt, the large Argentinean public (from our country and from all over the world) who expressed their almost unparalleled passion on the streets of Doha and in the stadiums. He competes with the Arab Abullah Al Salmi, who traveled 55 kilometers in the desert to see his national team. And the orderly Japanese fans who, as in other World Cups, cleaned the stands at the stadium exits.

Of course, women’s football is also gaining height and recognition from FIFA. That’s why the prizes are similar to those in men’s soccer.

The big favorite of the evening is undoubtedly Lionel Messi. And all of Argentine football expects more recognition. After all, they are personal caresses. The big party has already been experienced by all Argentines, proudly turned on. And they promise to prolong the celebrations for a long time. The miracle of football has no equal as a social phenomenon.