Ballon d'Or 2024: Gerardo Martino says Lionel Messi is still world's best but tips Vinicius Junior to win award
Published 25/10/2024 at 17:54 GMT+1
Gerardo Martino has claimed Lionel Messi is still the world's best player, despite not being nominated for this year's Ballon d'Or. The Argentine coach is therefore tipping Vinicius Junior to win this year's award, with the winner due to be announced at Monday's ceremony in Paris. The Real Madrid forward will battle it out with the likes of Jude Bellingham and Rodri for the prize.
Highlights: Vinicius stars with hat-trick as Real roar back to beat Dortmund
Video credit: TNT Sports
Gerardo Martino believes that Vinicius Junior has done enough to win the Ballon d’Or, but reiterated that Lionel Messi is still the world’s best player.
The Inter Miami head coach waded into the debate ahead of next Monday’s ceremony in Paris, and while he recognised the Brazilian’s recent exploits at Real Madrid, he made clear his view that Messi still comes out on top if measured on talent alone.
Vinicius scored 24 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions for Los Blancos last season, as they claimed a La Liga and UEFA Champions League double.
Meanwhile, Messi has won the Ballon d'Or a record eight times, but has missed out on being nominated for the first time in 21 years.
"It [the Ballon d'Or] has never been something that caught my attention, nor was it clear to me whether the award is for the best in the world or of the year," Martino told reporters.
"Vinicius probably has the merits to be considered the best player in the world and win the Ballon d'Or, but if I'm asked who the best player in the world is at the moment, I'm going to say, Leo Messi."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/10/23/4054279-82223228-2560-1440.jpg)
'He's going to win it!' - Ancelotti backs Vinicius Jr for Ballon d'Or after Dortmund hat-trick
Video credit: SNTV
Those sentiments were echoed by Messi’s team-mate Jordi Alba, who played alongside the Argentine at Barcelona for nine years.
"I have never given much importance to the Ballon d'Or, but for me Leo always has to be there," Alba said.
"He continues to make a difference. He is the best in the world without a doubt when being at the highest level."
- Premier League injury news round-up: Calafiori doubtful for Liverpool clash, Jota loses fitness race
- Who is Ballon d'Or favourite? Latest odds in battle to be crowned world's best
- Ballon d’Or 2024: When is the ceremony, how to watch, who are the nominees and favourites?
Despite the Ballon d'Or snub, Messi could still win an individual award this year after being nominated for Major League Soccer's MVP award.
He has scored 20 goals and registered 10 assists in just 19 league appearances this season.
The 37-year-old has been nominated alongside Inter Miami team-mate Luis Suarez, Christian Benteke, Cucho Hernandez and Evander.
---
TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement