Lionel Messi is backing Lautaro Martinez to win this yr’s Ballon d’Or, believing his Argentina team-mate deserves the accolade “greater than anybody else”.
The 2 gamers had been heading in the right direction throughout the world champions’ commanding 6-0 victory over Bolivia on Tuesday, Messi bagging a hat-trick whereas establishing Lautaro for their facet’s second aim.
It has been a 2024 to recollect for Lautaro, who top-scored with 24 objectives as he captained Inter to the Scudetto final season.
The ahead was additionally the main marksman throughout the Copa America with 5 objectives, together with an extra-time winner as Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 within the last.
Lautaro’s exploits have seen him shortlisted for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, with the winner being introduced on October 28.
Actual Madrid’s Vinicius Junior is among the many favourites to land the accolade, together with Manchester Metropolis and Spain midfielder Rodri.
Nevertheless, eight-time winner Messi feels his compatriot needs to be the main candidate for the award.
“He had a spectacular yr; he scored within the [Copa America] last, he was the highest scorer. He deserves the Ballon d’Or greater than anybody else.”
This duo is one thing else!pic.twitter.com/ycI3vMkFTL
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) October 16, 2024