Opinion: Why Lautaro Martinez and not Lionel Messi deserves 2024 FIFA Best awards
Lionel Messi’s nomination for the 2024 FIFA Best Men’s Player Award has stirred controversy among football fans and pundits, with many questioning the decision.
Critics argue that Messi’s performances during the eligibility period (August 21, 2023 – August 10, 2024) do not justify his inclusion, especially when compared to his Argentine teammate Lautaro Martinez.
Martinez, who enjoyed a career-defining season in 2023/24, led Inter Milan to Serie A glory, won the league’s Golden Boot with 24 goals, and claimed the Serie A MVP award. On the international stage, the striker shone brightly, finishing as the Copa America’s top scorer with five goals and netting the decisive goal in Argentina’s extra-time win over Colombia in the final.
Even Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni publicly backed Martinez for the Ballon d’Or, calling his year “spectacular.” “Lautaro deserves the Ballon d’Or more than anyone. He has had a phenomenal year, scoring in the Copa America final and leading both his club and country to success,” Scaloni said during a press conference.
While Messi’s contributions to Inter Miami in the MLS and his role in Argentina’s Copa America triumph cannot be overlooked, his performances pale in comparison to Martinez’s achievements at the highest level in European and international football. Many believe the omission of Martinez from the FIFA Best Player shortlist is unfair, especially when Messi’s nomination appears to hinge on his past reputation rather than current form.
Here are some comments about the opinion as shared on social media:
@SportsFanatic123: “Totally agree with this article. Messi is a legend, but if we’re talking about this season, Lautaro Martinez is the real star. Winning the Serie A, top scorer in two major competitions, and still gets overlooked? Ridiculous!”
@LautaroFan4Life: “Finally, someone says it! Lautaro carried both Inter and Argentina this year. Scaloni is right—he deserves recognition more than anyone, especially over Messi, who had a quiet year.”
@FairPlay_Footy: “This Messi nomination feels like a popularity contest. Lautaro’s performances speak for themselves. FIFA needs to recognise real achievements!”
@TrueBlue45: “Messi is one of the greatest, but this isn’t about the past. Lautaro Martinez dominated in Serie A and Copa America—what else does he need to do to get noticed?”
@ObjectiveView: “Messi had some good moments in the MLS, but Lautaro’s achievements in tougher competitions make him the obvious choice. FIFA is losing credibility with these nominations.”
@GunnerzLoyal: “Props to Nsikakabasi Akpan for calling this out. If FIFA is serious about rewarding the best, then Lautaro should’ve been on the list instead of Messi.”
@TheFootballCritic: “Scoring the winning goal in the Copa America final and being the top scorer in Serie A—it doesn’t get much better than that. Lautaro deserved that spot more than Messi this year.”
@NeutralFan: “Messi had a decent year, but Lautaro’s was exceptional. Glad someone is finally pointing this out. FIFA must stop favouring big names over actual performance.”
@SoccerGuru99: “Thank you, Akpan, for shedding light on this issue! If an Argentine deserves to be on that list, it’s Lautaro Martinez, hands down.”
@PureFootballer: “Lautaro’s season was phenomenal, and even Scaloni admitted it. Messi’s nomination feels like a legacy pick rather than a merit-based one. FIFA must do better.”
