Inter Miami boss Gerardo Martino still considers Lionel Messi ‘the best in the world’ despite Vinicius Junior’s imminent Ballon d’Or nomination.
The Real Madrid star is set to receive the award in France on Monday, ending the dominance of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi when it comes to the famous Grail. There is no doubt that Vinicius has had an exceptional 2023-24 season, as he helped Real win a La Liga-Champions League double, but Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino has questioned questioned the criteria for the Ballon d’Or and qualified his Argentine magician as the best current player.
Messi the best forever
The Miami boss said: “ Ce [Ballon d’Or] was never something that caught my eye, nor was I sure if the award was for best in the world or best of the year. Vinicius Junior probably deserves the credit [d’être le
meilleur la saison dernière]although if you ask me who is the best at the moment, it’s Messi.”
Messi won his record eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023 after leading Argentina to their third world crown, but was not even nominated for the 2024 award. It has been suggested that the 37-year-old was penalized for joining Inter Miami, but he still seems at the top of his game despite his time in Major League Soccer. So far this season, he has scored 20 goals and made 11 more assists as Miami advanced to the playoffs.
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