The respect for Messi from players, fans and journalists has forced the next wave of superstars to wait another year for the big individual awards

Messi voted as the captain of Argentina and the Inter Miami player picked Haaland as his first choice

Messi edged Haaland in the voting by the barest of margins.

Ronaldo did not take responsibility this time around though with FIFA confirming that former Real Madrid defender Pepe instead voted on behalf of the Portuguese national side.