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Cristiano Ronaldo did not cast FIFA Best votes as Portugal captain, with Pepe snubbing Lionel Messi when taking on that responsibility.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has another prestigious award for his collection, with the mercurial Argentine forward being recognised as the best player on the planet in 2023. Erling Haaland pushed Messi close in that poll – with the pair finishing level on points – but the man that lifted the 2022 World Cup walked away with the top prize after being ranked in first place by more national team skippers.

Pepe, in his role representing Portugal, did not aid Messi’s quest for ultimate glory as he overlooked the Inter Miami superstar completely. The veteran defender, who was filling in for Ronaldo despite CR7 often taking the armband for his country, voted for Bernardo Silva, Haaland and Victor Osimhen.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez also put Messi well down his pecking order, with the Argentine taking third spot on his polling card. Spanish tactician Martinez surprisingly gave first place to Marcelo Brozovic – Ronaldo’s club colleague at Al-Nassr – and second spot to Portuguese playmaker Silva, who won a historic Treble with Manchester City in 2022-23.

Messi has made more history in winning the FIFA Best award, with the Argentine icon the only man to have claimed that prize on three occasions. Ronaldo took top honours back in 2016 and 2017, but has failed to make the top three since 2020 – despite remaining one of the most prolific sources of goals in world football.