Lionel Messi’s nomination for the 2024 FIFA Best Men’s Player Award has caused quite a stir in the football world. Many fans and experts are questioning whether Messi truly deserves the nomination, especially when compared to his fellow Argentine teammate, Lautaro Martinez.
Martinez had an outstanding season in 2023/24, leading Inter Milan to Serie A victory, winning the league’s Golden Boot with 24 goals, and being named the Serie A MVP. On the international stage, he impressed by finishing as the top scorer in the Copa America with five goals, including the crucial goal in Argentina’s final victory over Colombia.
Even Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, publicly voiced his support for Martinez, stating that he believes Lautaro deserves the Ballon d’Or more than anyone else. Scaloni praised Martinez for his exceptional year, highlighting his contributions to both his club and country.
While Messi played a role in Inter Miami’s MLS success and Argentina’s Copa America triumph, many argue that Martinez’s achievements in top-tier European and international competitions outweigh Messi’s performances during the eligibility period. Critics suggest that Messi’s nomination may be based more on his reputation than his current form.
Social media has been abuzz with comments supporting Martinez over Messi for the FIFA Best Player Award:
– @SportsFanatic123 agrees that Martinez should be recognized for his stellar season, calling the decision to overlook him “ridiculous.”
– @LautaroFan4Life echoes Scaloni’s sentiments, emphasizing Martinez’s impact on both Inter and Argentina.
– @FairPlay_Footy believes FIFA needs to focus on real achievements rather than popularity.
– @ObjectiveView and @TrueBlue45 point out that Martinez’s dominance in tough competitions should not be overlooked.
– @GunnerzLoyal credits Nsikakabasi Akpan for calling out FIFA’s decision and advocating for Martinez’s inclusion.
– @TheFootballCritic praises Martinez’s winning goal in the Copa America final and his Serie A scoring title.
– @NeutralFan and @PureFootballer emphasize the need for FIFA to prioritize merit over reputation in their nominations.
In conclusion, the debate between Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez for the 2024 FIFA Best Men’s Player Award is ongoing. While Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players in history is undisputed, many believe that Martinez’s exceptional performances in the past season make him a more deserving candidate for the prestigious award. FIFA’s decision to nominate Messi over Martinez has sparked discussions about the criteria used to determine the best player and the importance of recognizing current form and achievements over past reputation.
