Lionel Messi has voiced his support for Argentina teammate Lautaro Martinez to win the Ballon d’Or, highlighting their effective partnership on the national team.
Argentina secured a convincing 6-0 victory over Bolivia in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, with both Messi and Lautaro finding the net in this emphatic win.
It has been a stellar year for Lautaro, who celebrated triumphs with both the national team and his club.
He lifted the Copa America trophy with Argentina and the Serie A title with Inter Milan.
Additionally, Lautaro claimed the Golden Boot at the Copa America, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals.
Lautaro’s impressive performances have earned him a spot on the shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
However, he is not considered one of the frontrunners for the award, which will be presented on October 28 in Paris.
Nonetheless, Messi, who has won the accolade a record eight times, believes that Lautaro is more than deserving of this prestigious recognition.
Lionel Messi said: “He had a spectacular year, he scored in the final, he was the top scorer in the Copa America.
“He deserves the Ballon d’Or more than anyone else ”
Lautaro Martinez will be striving for more titles this season as Inter Milan currently sits in second place in the Serie A table, just two points behind Napoli.
Meanwhile, the prestigious Ballon d’Or will soon crown a new recipient, following Lionel Messi’s triumph in 2023.
This year’s award is expected to see a fierce competition between Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. and Spain’s midfield dynamo, Rodri, as they vie for the game’s highest individual honour.
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