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Portugal boss Roberto Martinez questions the voting system with which Lionel Messi was named FIFA The Best Men's Player.
The football world remains divided over Lionel Messi's recent FIFA Best Award win, with prominent figures like Roberto Martinez voicing their concerns.
Roberto Martinez, the Portuguese national team boss, has raised questions about the legitimacy of Lionel Messi's recent FIFA Best Award win.
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The Six-Month Conundrum
In a candid statement, Martinez pointed out the unusual timing of the World Cup and its impact on the voting process. "It was a mistake," Martinez told A Bola, referring to the decision to vote based on performances in just six months as opposed to the usual full year. This change came as a result of the World Cup being held in the winter for the first time.
Martinez argued that this truncated timeframe for evaluation might have skewed the results. He emphasised the importance of considering players' performances over the entire season, including their contributions in domestic leagues and European competitions.
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The Overlooked Stars
Martinez also highlighted the case of players like Marcelo Brozovic and Bernardo Silva, who had outstanding seasons with their clubs but were overlooked in the voting process.
"What about Brozovic and Bernardo Silva, and the players who were in the Champions League final and who were successful in domestic trophies?" he questioned.
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Brozovic, in particular, was cited as a player embodying the essence of his team's gameplay and philosophy, especially his role in Croatia's successes.
Martinez's comments suggest a need for a more holistic approach to evaluating players' performances, considering their contributions across all competitions throughout the year.
Martinez's remarks have sparked a broader debate in the football community about the criteria and timing of prestigious individual awards like the FIFA Best.
While Messi's talent and achievements are undisputed, Martinez's critique invites a re-examination of how football honours its stars, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment of their performances over a season.
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