“My Vote Was Wrong” – After Lionel Messi’s Win, FIFA ‘The Best’ Scandal Explained by Portugal Boss Roberto Martinez

The last several years have been a dream for Lionel Messi. La Pulga has continued winning trophies even after the World Cup and Ballon d’Or. However, he has ample criticism cornered him for recently winning FIFA ‘The Best Men’s Year. Amid all the controversies regarding the deserved winner, Portugal boss Roberto Martinez claimed he made the wrong vote.

The revelation sparked a debate among the fans on social media. It also looks like the frustration among several fans regarding the award is here to stay for a long time.

Roberto Martinez added fuel to the fire after Lionel Messi won the award

When reports emerged of Lionel Messi not attending the FIFA ‘The Best’ awards, there were expectations on how Erling Haaland would win it. However, the fan’s wishes were crushed as the Argentinian maintained his winning record. But, the decision started many discussions about whether La Pulga was the deserved winner. It looks like Roberto Martinez has also added his opinion to the matter.

The Portuguese boss said, “My vote was wrong! It was wrong for the period in question for the award and I think I was not the only one who made this mistake because when you see the votes you think the vote is counted in what happened in the World Cup!” 

This statement comes amid his star player Cristiano Ronaldo mocking the awards. The Portuguese forward said that FIFA and Ballon d’Or awards are losing their credibility. It is not just the Al Nassr star who has spoken regarding the awards. Several journalists and former players believed that Erling Haaland deserved to be the winner rather than Lionel Messi. 

The absence of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and even the winner, Lionel Messi, has added to the problems. However, as far as the 36-year-old forward is concerned, his win has been defended several amidst the hate.

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La Pulga continues to find love and respect amid the controversy

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has described the noise around the awards criticism as strange. Defending Lionel Messi, he said that votes from national team captains, coaches, and top journalists chose the awards. La Pulga’s former Barcelona teammate Ronaldinho also defended him. The Brazilian legend called the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner the best player in history.

Sergio Aguero was also one of them who defended his former Argentinian teammate. He added that if the 36-year-old was playing, then he deserved to be the best.

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There is no doubt that the contrasting opinions regarding Lionel Messi’s win will continue to happen. Do you think La Pulga deserved FIFA’s ‘The Best’ award? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.