Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta has expressed his disappointment at Lautaro Martínez’s exclusion from the final 11 nominees for the prestigious FIFA The Best Award. Marotta’s comments highlight the frustration of the Inter camp, which believes their star striker deserved recognition for his stellar performances last season.
Marotta Questions the Decision
Speaking to the media, Marotta voiced his disbelief at the omission:
> “It’s surprising and disappointing that he wasn’t considered among the candidates after an exceptional season.”
He emphasized the achievements of Lautaro, who played a pivotal role in Inter’s success domestically and in Europe, including their impressive run to the Champions League final.
Lautaro’s Impact in Numbers and Big Matches
Marotta argued that Lautaro’s contributions went beyond just statistics, stating:
> “This exclusion seems to ignore not only the numbers and success he’s had, but also the impact in decisive matches.”
Lautaro’s exceptional 2022/23 season saw him score critical goals in key matches, cementing his position as one of the most consistent and influential forwards in world football. Marotta added that such snubs send a “bad sign” to players who consistently perform at the highest level, urging FIFA to give due credit to players of Lautaro’s caliber.
Lautaro Martínez’s omission from FIFA’s The Best Award shortlist has sparked debate in the footballing world, with Inter Milan’s president leading the charge in defending his player’s achievements. While the exclusion may serve as a disappointment, it also underlines the need for a broader acknowledgment of players’ contributions on the biggest stages. For Lautaro, the snub might serve as motivation to push for even greater heights this season.