Also the coach of Inter Miami, Gerardo “Tata” Martinohas taken a stand on who should win the Golden Ball. As is known, the illustrious individual trophy will reward the best footballer of the year, so almost all bookies now take Vinicius Junior’s victory for certain. Real Madrid’s Brazilian ace who, together with Manchester City midfielder Rodri, is in contention as the main favourites.
The long-awaited ceremony will take place on Monday 28 October at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. In the meantime, however, a few hours after the first round of the MLS playoffs, the 61-year-old Argentine coach voted the preferred name: “It has never been something that has caught my attention, nor has it ever been clear to me whether the award is for the best of the world or of the year. Vinícius Júnior probably has the merit (of being the best of last season) , ed.), although if you ask me who is the best at the moment, it’s Messi”, replied the Nanny from the official MLS channels.
Vinicius has scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions for LaLiga champions Madrid, including his team’s second goal in the Champions League final at Wembley last May against Borussia Dortmund. Messi, however, at the age of 37, was excluded from the nominations for the Ballon d’Or for the first time since 2003.