Lionel Messi claimed Argentina team-mate Lautaro Martinez should win the Ballon d'Or after linking up with the Inter star for the national side.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ballon d'Or winner set to be announced
• Messi says Lautaro deserves top prize
• Has won the Copa America and Serie A this year

• Table of Contents

  Toggle

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Argentina cruised to a 6-0 win over Bolivia in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, with Messi and Lautaro both on target in an emphatic victory. It's been a good year for Lautaro, who has lifted the Copa America with Argentina and the Serie A title with club side Inter. The 27-year-old also scooped the Golden Boot at the Copa America after topping the goalscoring standings with five goals.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lautaro's exploits have seen him shortlisted for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award but he is not one of the favourites for the prize which will be handed out on October 28 in Paris. However, Messi – who has won the award a record eight times – thinks the Inter striker fully deserves to scoop the prestigious award.

• WHAT MESSI SAID

  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 "

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR LAUTARO?

  Lautaro will be aiming for more titles again this season, with Inter currently second in the Serie A table, two points behind Napoli. Meanwhile, the Ballon d'Or will have a new owner shortly after Messi's success in 2023. Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr is expected to battle it out with Spain midfielder Rodri for the game's top individual award.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News