Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Alejandro Garnacho, Lionel Messi, Manchester United
Matthew Holt
Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garancho could be about to eclipse international teammate Lionel Messi by winning a FIFA listed prize that the latter has never won in his career.
Garnacho, 20, is enjoying another impressive season at Old Trafford having scored eight goals and registered four assists already in 2024/25.
The exciting young winger has already won both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup at Manchester United, in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
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With the world seemingly at his feet, even more accolades are likely to follow for the Argentinian and there's a potential huge prize on the horizon in the next few weeks that not even Messi can boast.
Garnacho has been named on the shortlist for FIFA's Puskas Award for 2024 and is one of the early frontrunners.
His stunning bicycle-kick against Everton last season has been nominated but he does face some healthy competition in the award to recognise the best goal of the last 12 months.
“I can't believe it to be honest,” Garnacho said about his wonder strike after the 3-0 win at Everton.
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“I didn't see how it went in. I just listened around and said: 'oh my God.' For me, one of the best goals I have ever scored.”
Walter Bou of Argentine side Lanus scored a similar type of strike and is also nominated for his impressive effort.
Mohammed Kudus' mazy run against Freiburg for West Ham United in the Europa League also makes the list.
Argentine team-mate Messi has never won the award and it would therefore be quite the coup for Garnacho to do so at such an early stage of his career.
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Manchester United's official channels named the effort their best-ever Goal of the Season earlier this year, surpassing Wayne Rooney's derby strike against Manchester City.
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"I have always said, it is actually harder to score with your shin!" Rooney laughed speaking to ManUtd.com.
"I honestly don't know [whether it struck my shin or my foot].
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"I think Garnacho's was better. I think Garnacho's goal was a better goal, but I think doing it against Manchester City was a better game."
Garnacho is seemingly settling in to life under new coach Ruben Amorim, having played in both of the 39-year-old's opening two matches at the helm.
Manchester United are back in Premier League action this weekend, with Amorim's side hosting Everton at Old Trafford in the Portuguese's first home Premier League outing.