Argentinians Lionel Messi and Adrian 'Maravilla' Martinez, along with Uruguayan Giorgian de Arrascaeta, were the top vote-getters in the traditional “America Responds to El Pais” poll, and one of them will become the new King of America.

On December 31, the Uruguayan newspaper El Pais will announce the winner of the prestigious annual award. On the same day, the names of the best female player and best coach of the year will also be revealed, awards that complete one of the most important distinctions in South American football.

Lionel Messi seeks an unprecedented award in his career

MLS champion with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi will try to win a trophy that has so far eluded him. Last season, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner garnered 14 votes and finished fifth, behind Luiz Henrique, Jefferson Savarino, Juan Fernando Quintero, and Thiago Almada. In 2025, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player also secured his qualification for the next FIFA World Cup, where he will attempt to defend the title he won with the Argentine national team in Qatar 2022, further strengthening his bid for the title of King of America. 'Maravilla' Martinez, Racing's key goalscorer, will be looking to claim the crown after a standout year with Racing Club. The striker was a Recopa Sudamericana champion, a Copa Libertadores semifinalist, and a Torneo Clausura finalist. He also scored decisive goals in the Recopa against Botafogo and, along with Jose Manuel Lopez, was one of the top scorers in the Copa Libertadores, establishing himself as one of the continent's leading figures. Giorgian de Arrascaeta, a Flamengo star. For his part, Giorgian de Arrascaeta is seeking recognition after a brilliant season with Flamengo, in which he won the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship, playing a key role.

The Uruguayan midfielder was chosen as the best player of the continental tournament, in addition to becoming the top scorer of his team and the main assist provider in the Brazilian league. It also secured its qualification for the 2026 World Cup, reinforcing its international impact.

History of the King of America Award

The King of America Award has been presented by the newspaper El Pais since 1986. Since then, the most outstanding footballer in the history of the award is the Argentine Carlos Tevez, winner on three occasions.

It has been won twice by the Colombian Carlos Valderrama, the Argentine Juan Sebastian Veron, and the Brazilian Neymar.

List of Historical Winners of the King of America Award

The award has been received once by Antonio Alzamendi, Ruben Paz, Bebeto, Raul Amarilla, Oscar Ruggeri, Rai, Cafu, Enzo Francescoli, Jose Luis Chilavert, Marcelo Salas, Martin Palermo, Javier Saviola, Romario, Juan Roman Riquelme, Jose Saturnino Cardozo, Matias Fernandez, Salvador Cabanas, Andres D'Alessandro, and Ronaldinho.

Also among the winners are Teofilo Gutierrez, Carlos Sanchez, Miguel Borja, Luan, Gonzalo Martinez, Gabriel Barboza, Marinho, Julian Alvarez, Pedro Guilherme, German Cano, and Luiz Henrique.

Coach of the Year: The Candidates

The Coach of the Year will also be announced on December 31. The main contenders for the award are Brazilian Filipe Luis and Argentinians Gustavo Alfaro and Gustavo Costas, who received the most votes in the annual poll.

With established stars, international titles, and a year-end full of anticipation, the 2025 Copa America title promises to be one of the most hotly contested in recent times.