Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has made a surprise choice for this year’s Ballon d’Or, backing his compatriot Lautaro Martinez for the prestigious award, Soccernet.football reports.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner himself, believes the Inter Milan forward has done enough to be named the best footballer in the world this year.
Speaking after Argentina’s 6-0 demolition of Bolivia in their recent World Cup qualifier, Messi heaped praise on Martinez’s stellar performances over the past season, both for his club and country.
The Inter striker enjoyed a remarkable 2023/24 campaign, scoring 27 goals and providing seven assists across all competitions, leading the Nerazzurri to a Serie A title.
However, Messi highlighted Martinez’s international success as the decisive factor in his Ballon d’Or endorsement.
Martinez played a pivotal role in Argentina’s Copa America triumph, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, including the winning strike in the final.
“Lautaro Martinez had a spectacular year, he scored a goal in the final, he was the top scorer in the Copa América, and he deserves the Ballon d’Or more than anyone,” Messi said. “I hope Lautaro wins the Ballon d’Or, he deserves it more than anyone. If it doesn’t come now for him, I’m sure it will come later.”
While Martinez may not be the favourite for this year’s prize, with names like Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Man City’s Rodri ahead in the running, his performances for Inter and Argentina have been nothing short of exceptional.
The 27-year-old also finished as the top scorer in Serie A, further cementing his case for the prestigious award.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 28 in Paris, where the world will find out if Martinez can claim the coveted honour.