The list of nominees for the FIFA “The Best” trophy for the best male player was revealed overnight from Thursday to Friday. And we didn’t have to wait long to hear the first criticisms about it. Despite a 2023-2024 season marked by a second Scudetto with Inter Milan and a final victory in the Copa América, Lautaro Martínez is not one of the 11 finalists for this distinction. Giuseppe Marotta, sporting director of the interist club, stepped up to defend his captain. According to him, his non-selection is an injustice.
“ It’s surprising and disappointing that he wasn’t considered among the candidates after an exceptional season. Lautaro deserves more respect and greater recognition. This exclusion seems to ignore not only the numbers and the success he had, but also his impact in the decisive matches. It’s a bad sign. Players who stand out like this should be rewarded », blurted out Marotta forANSA.