"He had a better season than Messi", "Absolute disgrace" - Fans surprised by star's exclusion from nominee list for FIFA The Best award
Fans have been puzzled by the absence of Lionel Messi's teammate Lautaro Martinez from FIFA The Best nominee list. The Inter Milan forward was on fire for club and country last season, but couldn't make the shortlist for the coveted prize.
Martinez scored 27 goals and set up seven more from 44 games across competitions for the Nerazzurri last season. He won the Serie A as well as the Supercoppa Italiana.
Over the summer, the 27-year-old powered Argentina to the Copa America title. He finished as the tournament's top scorer, with five goals, including the only goal in the final.
Fans, understandably, were surprized by his absence from the nominees list for FIFA The Best Award, and took to social media to express their opinion. One insisted that Martinez's absence was a disgrace, commenting:
"Lautaro Martínez not being among the 11 nominees for FIFA The Best is an ABSOLUTE DISGRACE! Serie A won, Serie A topscorer, Copa América won, Copa América topscorer + winning goal in Final, Supercoppa Italy won + winning goal in Final, 43 G/A in 54 games"
Another added that the Inter Milan man had a better season than his compatriot Lionel Messi, posting:
"And he had a better season than Messi."
One fan wondered if Martinez was overlooked because he plays in the Serie A, stating:
"absolute disgrace .. the serie A isn’t rated lately too tho…"
Another quipped:
"Had a better case than Messi ngl"
Another questioned why Mohamed Salah was missing from the list, commenting:
"Why is Messi here? Like i consider him the goat but why? What about Salah?"
Another added:
"Leaving Lautaro off this list is a joke. His stats speak for themselves."
Lautaro Martinez has registered six goals and four assists from 16 games across competitions this season for Inter Milan.
How has Lionel Messi performed this season?
Lionel Messi has been in fine form for Inter Miami this season, registering 23 goals and 13 assists from 25 games across competitions. He lifted the Supporters' Shield with the Herons, but failed to guide them to a MLS Cup triumph.
La Pulga arrived at the Chase Stadium in the summer of 2023, following the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He enjoyed a decent start to life with the MLS side, helping them win the Leagues Cup. It was the first trophy in Inter Miami's relatively short history.
The diminutive magician missed quite a few games for the Florida-based side due to injuries and international commitments. However, he was a key figure in their march to the top of the Eastern Conference table.
Meanwhile, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also lifted his second Copa America trophy over the summer. He picked up a ligament injury in the final against Colombia and subsequently missed eight games for Inter Miami.
The 37-year-old is in the final phase of his career, but his hunger and zeal for excellence remain intact. Interestingly, his contract expires in December next year and he hasn't signed a new deal yet. However, recent reports have suggested that the Florida-based club are all set to offer him a one-year extension.