Former Barcelona Coach Supports Vinicius Wins Ballon D'Or

Vinicius Junior has the support of former Barcelona coach to win the Ballon d'Or (Instagram/@vinijr).

JAKARTA - Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, a former Barcelona coach, supported Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d'Or award.

Vinicius, now 24, is enjoying an extraordinary season at Real Madrid and.

He and Manchester City midfielder Rodri are the top candidates to receive the honorable individual trophy in a meritorious ceremony on October 29, 2024 in Paris.

However, if you compare who is the best in the world, it is not calculated per year, Tata Martino's heart still chooses Lionel Messi.

"(The Ballon d'Or) was never something that caught my attention. It's not clear to me whether the award is for the best in the world or this year," Martino said.

"Vinicius Junior may have an advantage (being the best last season). If you ask me who is the best at the moment, it is Messi," he said again.

The Inter Miami coach supported Vinicius not without reason. The Brazilian scored 24 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Real Madrid, including his team's second goal in last season's Champions League final win against Borussia Dortmund.

Meanwhile, Messi, now 37, is not nominated for the award for the first time since 2003.

The Argentina captain has won the Ballon d'Or eight times in his career.

Not surprisingly, Miami veteran defender Jordi Alba was surprised that his former Barcelona team-mate was not considered for this year's award.

"I never attach too much importance to the Ballon d'Or, but for me Leo should always be there."

"He continues to make differences, he is the best in the world without a doubt when he is at the highest level," said Alba as reported by ESPN.

Messi is among the finalists for the MVP Major League Soccer award this season.

He is considered the main candidate after scoring 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 matches.