Lionel Messi as soon as once more strengthened his legendary standing in 2025, lifting the MLS Cup, serving to Argentina safe qualification for the 2026 World Cup, and main Inter Miami deep into a number of competitions. Regardless of his affect on the pitch, the Argentine ahead in the end fell quick within the race for the 2025 Finest South American Participant award.
Because it does yearly, Uruguayan newspaper El País awarded the Rey de América (King of America) honor to the highest South American participant competing within the Americas. Messi, who by no means gained the award throughout his European profession, was named one of many three finalists, however when the outcomes have been introduced on December 31, the Argentine legend missed out on the accolade.
In a vote involving greater than 250 journalists, Uruguay and Flamengo star Giorgian De Arrascaeta was named the 2025 Finest South American Participant with 179 votes (67.8%). Messi completed second with 39 votes (14.8%), whereas Racing ahead Adrián Martínez positioned third with 12 votes (5%).
De Arrascaeta loved a trophy-laden season with Flamengo, successful the Brasileirão, Copa Libertadores (the place he was named event MVP) the Brazilian Tremendous Cup, Campeonato Carioca, Derby de las Américas, and the Challenger Cup. The midfielder additionally posted 28 objectives and 19 assists in 69 appearances throughout all competitions, whereas taking part in a key position in Uruguay’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta of Flamengo.
Messi was additionally nominated in 2024 however failed to succeed in the ultimate three, making his 2025 finalist look his closest run on the award thus far. Regardless of posting 46 objectives and 29 assists for Inter Miami and Argentina, together with successful the MLS Cup and Golden Boot, the 38-year-old could have one other likelihood in 2026, when a World Cup on the horizon might tilt the steadiness in his favor.
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Flamengo dominate South American Finest XI
Along with naming the continent’s high participant, El País additionally launched its annual Finest XI. With Filipe Luís’ Flamengo capturing the Copa Libertadores, the Brazilian membership dominated the lineup, whereas Messi was the lone consultant from Inter Miami, and Main League Soccer as an entire.
The 2025 Finest South American XI based on El País is as follows:
Goalkeeper: Agustín Rossi (Flamengo).Defenders: Danilo (Flamengo), Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras), Léo Pereira (Flamengo).Midfielders: Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Santiago Sosa (Racing), Erick Pulgar (Flamengo), and Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo).Forwards: José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Adrián Martínez (Racing), and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami).
