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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><ul><li>Vinicius Jr. expected to win Ballon d'Or</li><li>Inter Miami boss Martino admits Brazilian deserves award</li><li>But still thinks Messi the best on planet</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Gerardo Martino claims Lionel Messi is still 'the best in the world' with Inter Miami boss confused by Ballon d'Or criteria ahead of expected Vinicius Junior coronation

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<p>The Real Madrid star is expected to be presented with the award in France on Monday, ending Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's dominance when it comes to the French trophy. There is no doubt Vinicius enjoyed a stellar 2023-24 season, as he helped Real Madrid win a La Liga and Champions League double, but Inter Miami head coach Martino has questioned the criteria of the<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/every-ballon-dor-winner-messi-ronaldo--best-player-awards-from-1956-to-2018/gdk0bwenom0r1e9rruatp420h" target="_blank"> Ballon d'Or</a> and has labelled his Argentine magician as the best.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The Miami boss said: "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. Vinicius Junior probably has the merit [of being the best last season], although if you ask me who is the best right now, it's Messi."</p>

WHAT MARTINO SAID

<p>Messi won his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or in 2023 after leading Argentina to their third World Cup crown, but was not even nominated for the 2024 prize. It has been suggested that the 37-year-old has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-ballon-dor-snub-ridiculous-inter-miami-argentina-magician-victim-european-bias-mls-transfer/bltfb3727ce09f67caf" target="_blank">been penalised for joining Inter Miami</a>, but he still looks at the top of his game despite playing in Major League Soccer. So far this season, he has scored 20 goals and tallied a further 11 assists as Miami have made it through to the play-offs.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>After finally settling in the U.S. after a tough spell at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi is looking to push Miami to the limit as they compete for the MLS Cup. Having beaten <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/inter-miami-atlanta-united-player-ratings/blt4e1d00793dd447ff" target="_blank">Atlanta United 2-1 in their first play-off game</a>, Martino's side will aim to repeat the trick against the Georgia-based side on Friday away from home.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI? 

Gerardo Martino claims Lionel Messi is still 'the best in the world' with Inter Miami boss confused by Ballon d'Or criteria ahead of expected Vinicius Junior coronation | Goal.com Nigeria

Inter Miami boss Gerardo Martino still considers Lionel Messi to be &quot;the best in the world&quot; despite Vinicius Junior&apos;s imminent Ballon d&apos;Or nod.

Gerardo Martino claims Lionel Messi is still &apos;the best in the world&apos; with Inter Miami boss confused by Ballon d&apos;Or criteria ahead of expected Vinicius Junior coronation