Lionel Messi has backed his Argentine compatriot Lautaro Martinez to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, believing the Inter Milan forward has had a “spectacular year”, Afrosport reports.
The 27-year-old was instrumental for the Nerazzurri as he helped them to a 20th Scudetto last season and also won the Capocannoniere for top scorer after netting 24 goals.
Martinez also played his part as Argentina won back-to-back Copa America titles, scoring in the final and finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals.
He is among 30 names that are up for the award with the winner announced on October 28.
“He’s had a spectacular year. He scored in the [Copa America] final and was the best scorer. He deserves the Ballon d’Or more than anyone else,” Messi said per La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni also backed Martinez to win the prestigious award.
“I hope Lautaro wins the Ballon d’Or. If he doesn’t get this satisfaction now, I am sure he’ll accomplish it in the future,” he said.
Martinez has also started the 2024-25 season strongly with six-goal involvements (three goals, three assists) in eight competitive games.
