As the new year of 2026 begins, football icon Lionel Messi has received news that he did not win the prestigious South American Player of the Year award for 2025, an honor he had previously aimed for. The Inter Miami star finished as runner-up in the highly anticipated annual competition.
Approximately 250 journalists from across South America cast their votes for the continent’s top player. The 38-year-old Argentine maestro secured second place in the balloting, a testament to his continued impact despite playing outside of South America’s top leagues.
The coveted title of Best South American Player of the Year for 2025 was awarded to Giorgian De Arrascaeta. The 31-year-old Uruguayan attacking midfielder, who plays for Brazilian club Flamengo, was recognized for his outstanding performance throughout the season. Adrian Martinez completed the top three finishers in the voting.
De Arrascaeta enjoyed a phenomenal 2025 campaign, establishing himself as Flamengo’s most vital player. He made an impressive 64 appearances for his club, contributing significantly with 25 goals and 20 assists. His exceptional form was instrumental in Flamengo’s success, helping them secure multiple major titles including the Brazileirao (Seria A), Copa Libertadores, Brazil Super Cup, Campeonato Carioca, and the Challenger Cup, as well as winning the Derby of the Americas.
The voting results highlighted De Arrascaeta’s dominant performance, with the Uruguayan receiving 179 votes, accounting for 67.8% of the total. Messi, who captained Argentina, garnered 39 votes (14.8%), while Martinez received 12 votes (5%).
Beyond the award, 2026 also marks a period of change for Inter Miami. The club is set to lose two key members who are also close friends and former Barcelona teammates of Messi: midfielder Sergio Busquets and defender Jordi Alba, both of whom have announced their retirement. This trio had notably united at Inter Miami, leading the club to its first-ever trophy, the MLS Cup, a historic achievement for the football league in the United States.
In contrast to his retiring teammates, Messi has committed his future to Inter Miami, having decided to extend his contract until 2028. The 2022 World Cup winner is focused on leveraging his global stature to further promote football, particularly American football, and enhance the sport’s profile in the United States.
