Messi continues to miss out on a career-defining award never before won

Despite a brilliant 2025 with Inter Miami and the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi surprisingly missed out on the South American Player of the Year award.

As per annual tradition, the Uruguayan newspaper El País awards the Rey de América (King of American Football) to the South American player who delivers the most impressive performances in competitions across the Americas. Messi, who has never won this award during his European career, was named among the final top 3 nominees. However, when the official results were announced on December 31, the Argentine legend missed out on the title.

In the voting involving more than 250 journalists, midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Uruguay, Flamengo) was honored as South American Player of the Year 2025 with 179 votes (67.8%). Messi placed second with 39 votes (14.8%), while forward Adrián Martínez of Racing came third with 12 votes (5%).

De Arrascaeta enjoyed a highly successful season with Flamengo, winning numerous major titles including the Brasileirão, Copa Libertadores (where he was named the tournament’s best player), Brazilian Super Cup, Campeonato Carioca, Derby de las Américas, and Challenger Cup. Individually, the midfielder scored 28 goals and provided 19 assists in 69 appearances across all competitions, playing a crucial role in helping Uruguay qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Messi was nominated for this award in 2024 but did not make the final top 3. Being among the three finalists in 2025 is considered his closest attempt yet at winning the Rey de América title. Nevertheless, with 46 goals and 29 assists for Inter Miami and Argentina, along with MLS Cup and Golden Boot honors, the 38-year-old superstar still has opportunities in 2026, at a time when the World Cup could provide him a significant advantage in the race.

Besides awarding the best player, El País also announced the 2025 South American Team of the Year. Thanks to winning the Copa Libertadores under coach Filipe Luís, Flamengo dominated the lineup. Messi was the sole representative from Inter Miami and the entire MLS included in the list.

The 2025 South American Team of the Year according to El País includes:

• Goalkeeper: Agustín Rossi (Flamengo)
• Defenders: Danilo (Flamengo), Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras), Léo Pereira (Flamengo)
• Midfielders: Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Santiago Sosa (Racing), Erick Pulgar (Flamengo), Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo)
• Forwards: José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Adrián Martínez (Racing), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)