Despite winning the FIFA Best Men’s Player award in London Monday night, Inter Miami’s star signing Lionel Messi was noticeably absent from the prestigious ceremony.
As such, there was speculation about him snubbing the event. However, respected Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has opened up on the reason behind Messi’s no-show.
Balague revealed that Messi opted for pre-season drills with his MLS club over the London gala.
He said: “Reason of Messi absence in London.
“Messi has started training for Inter Miami and travelling to London would have meant 3/4 days lost.
“He has to adjust to his new football calendar. He had some physical problems second half of the year and he wants to do a proper preseason.”
Neither Manchester City’s Erling Haaland nor Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, fellow finalists for the FIFA Best award, graced the London ceremony.
