Messi never won the FIFA Puskas Award because fan voting and later rule changes favored viral, underdog goals over his consistent brilliance.
Voting mechanics of the Puskas Award
The award began in 2009 and was decided entirely by public online votes until 2015. Fans could cast as many votes as they wanted, making the process vulnerable to coordinated campaigns.
Messi’s seven nominations
Messi was shortlisted in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019. His goals ranged from the 2010 solo run against Real Zaragoza to the 2019 lob over Real Betis, all of which were technically brilliant but not the most viral moments of the year.
Underdog victories over Messi
In 2015, Wendell Lira’s bicycle kick for Goianésia beat Messi’s 2015 Copa del Rey goal, with Lira receiving 46.7% of the public vote to Messi’s 33.3%. The Brazilian campaign was a clear example of fan mobilisation overriding technical merit.
Shift to a hybrid voting system
From 2016, FIFA introduced a 50/50 split: a panel of former players and a public vote. Despite the panel’s expertise, the public vote still held significant influence, and Messi’s 2016 and 2018 nominations fell short.
Why spectacular moments win
Short clips of overhead kicks or bicycle kicks trigger immediate emotional reactions. Messi’s subtle, multi‑step runs require longer observation to appreciate, which reduces their impact in a quick‑scan voting environment.
Legacy and perception of greatness
Messi’s high baseline of quality made his goals feel routine to some fans. When a lesser‑known player scores a dramatic goal, it feels extraordinary, while Messi’s consistent brilliance is often taken for granted.
Conclusion
Messi’s lack of a Puskas Award reflects the influence of fan voting and the appeal of viral, underdog stories more than any flaw in his skill.