Messi’s Secret Ballot Sparks Debate: Dembélé Leads The Best While Barca Watches

Overview of The Best voting

The football world is buzzing as FIFA unveils the voting by national team captains and coaches for The Best awards, covering Best Player and Best Coach. Ousmane Dembélé is named Best Player 2025, while his PSG boss Luis Enrique is recognized as Best Coach. Messi—Argentina’s captain and Inter Miami’s talisman—was allowed to vote, a fact that may have ruffled his former club Barcelona.

Key ballots and what they mean

In the Best Player category, Messi selected Dembélé first, with Mbappé second and Lamine Yamal third among his choices. For Best Coach, Messi put Enrique on top, with Hansi Flick second and Mikel Arteta third. Separately, Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni ranked Enrique first for Best Coach, Arteta second, and Flick third, while he put Mbappé first, Pedri second, and Yamal third for Best Player.

The voting reveals a mix of current form, club affiliations, and lingering loyalties, fueling conversations about a potential final lineup that could surprise some observers and delight others.

And if you’re wondering how much weight these ballots carry, in the end the results blend federation guidelines with the opinions of football insiders, media, and fans alike. The drama isn’t over yet—watch the social feeds light up as the final list is announced.

Punchline 1: If ballots came with a soundtrack, this chapter would be a remix titled 'Messi’s Picks.'

Punchline 2: In football, everyone has an opinion, especially when the votes are public and the drama comes with a side of popcorn.