Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino says he believes Vinícius Júnior deserves the Ballon d’Or award but still considers Lionel Messi the best player in the world.
Vinicius, 24, has enjoyed his best season at Real Madrid and is one of the top candidates, along with Manchester City midfielder Rodri, to take home the outstanding individual trophy at the awards ceremony in Paris on Monday.
“The Ballon d’Or has never really caught my attention and it wasn’t clear whether it was the best award in the world or the best award of the year,” Martino said.
“Vinícius Júnior probably has the advantage (of being the best last season), although if you ask me who the best is right now, it would be Messi.”
Vinicius has scored 24 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for La Liga champions Madrid, including the team’s second goal in last season’s Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund.
Messi (37) was excluded from the award nominations for the first time since 2003.
The Argentina captain has won a record eight times in his career.
Veteran Miami defender Jordi Alba said he was surprised his former Barcelona team-mate was unable to hand him this year’s honour.
“I’ve never attached much importance to the Ballon d’Or, but for me Leo should always be there,” Alba said. “He continues to make a difference. When he is at the highest level, he is without a doubt the best in the world.”
Messi is one of the final candidates for Major League Soccer (MLS) MVP this season.
He is being considered as a leading candidate, having scored 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 games.
