Lionel Messi, Argentina’s world-famous captain, has said that his teammate Lautaro Martínez deserves this year’s Ballon d’Or more than any other player.
Martínez is among the 30 nominees for the award along with Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Rodri and Dani Carvajal.
With just 12 days left until the ceremony, Messi has shared his opinion on who will replace him as winner.
The Inter Miami superstar, who won a record eighth Ballon d’Or last year, will not defend his title this year.
Instead, Messi backed Martínez, who finished 21st and 20th in the Ballon d’Or rankings in 2021 and 2023.
The 27-year-old scored 27 goals and provided seven assists in 44 games in all competitions last season, which included 24 goals and six assists in Serie A as Inter Milan won the Scudetto.
He also scored a goal and scored another goal for the Nerazzurri in the successful Italian Super Cup.
“He had a spectacular year, he scored in the final, he was the top scorer in the Copa América.
“He deserves the Ballon d’Or more than anyone,” Messi said via Goal.
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