FIFA Best Awards: Jota Jordi Slams Messi’s Vote, Calls It a “Betrayal” of Lamine Yamal

El Chiringuito pundit Jota Jordi has stirred fresh debate after openly criticising Lionel Messi over his voting choices at the 2025 FIFA Best Awards.

The controversy follows Messi’s ballot for the men’s category, where the Argentina captain named Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé as his first choice. Messi then placed Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid second, ahead of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who finished third on his list.

While Dembélé ultimately claimed the award, Jordi took issue with Messi’s decision to rank Mbappé—now a Real Madrid player—above teenage sensation Yamal, who wears the iconic No.10 shirt at Barcelona.

“This is a stab in the back to Lamine Yamal, a betrayal,” Jordi said, as quoted by Sportskeeda.
“One plays for Real Madrid and the other wears the 10 at Barça. I’m saying this very seriously; this is very significant.”

The reaction has added another layer to the long-standing rivalry narratives that surround Barcelona and Real Madrid, with Messi’s legacy at Barça making his vote even more scrutinised.

Yamal, for his part, enjoyed a stellar season, finishing second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings behind Dembélé after playing a key role in Barcelona’s domestic double.

Opinion: A Vote, Not a Verdict

While Jordi’s emotional response reflects the passion of the Barça–Madrid divide, Messi’s vote may not be as personal as it has been made out to be. FIFA Best ballots often reflect individual perspectives—form, trophies, influence—not club loyalty.

Still, symbolism matters in football. For many Barcelona fans, seeing Messi rank a Real Madrid star ahead of the club’s brightest young gem naturally feels uncomfortable, especially given Yamal’s breakout season and growing influence.

That said, Yamal’s rise speaks for itself. Finishing second in the Ballon d’Or at such a young age is a louder endorsement than any single vote. If anything, the debate highlights just how quickly the teenager has entered football’s elite conversation—and how every comparison now comes with heavyweight expectations.

In the end, Messi’s vote may spark headlines, but Yamal’s future will be shaped more by what he does on the pitch than by where he appeared on one ballot.