Lautaro Martinez Snubbed by FIFA’s The Best Awards Sparks Outrage from Inter Milan President

As 2024 ends, FIFA prepares to announce its Best awards, recognizing top soccer players. Recently, nominees for these awards were declared, and many were shocked that Lautaro Martinez, an Inter Milan star who helped Lionel Messi’s Argentina win the 2024 Copa America, was not included.

During the 2023-24 season, Lautaro excelled as the top scorer and MVP of Serie A, aiding Inter in claiming the league title. He scored five goals during the Copa America, including the decisive goal in the final against Colombia. Despite this impressive performance, he did not receive a nomination for The Best award.

Giuseppe Marotta, Inter Milan’s president, expressed his disappointment. He stated, “It is surprising and disappointing that Lautaro has not been considered among the candidates for FIFA’s Best Player after such an exceptional season. He deserves more respect and recognition.” Marotta highlighted Lautaro’s significant contributions, stating, “His extraordinary performances led Inter to a historic season and the Argentine national team to victory in the Copa América.”

Marotta emphasized that Lautaro’s exclusion shows a lack of appreciation for his achievements in crucial games. He hopes future recognitions will honor outstanding players like Lautaro who continue to excel on the field.

Despite his exclusion from the nominees for The Best award, Lautaro was recognized among the top strikers of the year and could still make the 2024 Ideal XI depending on fan and expert votes. Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo faced a snub from FIFA but received a minor nomination. In contrast, Lionel Messi is one of the eleven players competing for the main award.

Lautaro Martinez’s recognition struggles continued at the Ballon d’Or, where he finished seventh even after a stellar year with both Inter Milan and the Argentina national team. Many believed he could win the award, but it ultimately went to Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder. This decision drew criticism, with Lautaro and others like Vinicius Junior and Toni Kroos expressing dissatisfaction with the results.

Lautaro has faced challenges in receiving accolades despite his substantial contributions to his teams.