"It’s an honour that the greatest player of all time thinks that” - Lautaro Martinez on Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or claim
Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez considered it an honor that Lionel Messi had named him his favorite to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. Martinez stood seventh in France Football's rankings this year.
Ahead of France Football's ceremony in Paris, Lionel Messi had named Lautaro Martinez his favorite to win the coveted award. The legendary Argentine - who's won a record eight golden balls - said (via OneFootball):
“Lautaro deserves the Ballon d’Or more than anyone else. He had a spectacular year, he scored in the final, and he was the top scorer in the Copa America.”
In a recent interview with Argentine magazine Icon, Lautaro Martinez responded to Messi calling him deserving of France Football's honor and said (via Sempre Inter):
“For me it’s an honour that the greatest player of all time thinks that. I’m very happy to have been among the candidates. I think it’s recognition for a great season with the national team, with whom I won the Copa America, and with my club.”
Lautaro Martinez had an exceptional 2023-24 run, winning the Serie A and the Supercoppa Italiana with Internazionale and the Copa America with Argentina. The Argentine forward recorded 35 goals and eight assists in 54 appearances for club and country. He also finished as top scorer in the Serie A (24 goals) and the Copa America (5 goals).
However, Manchester City star Rodri eventually took home the Ballon d'Or, while Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham stood second and third in the rankings, respectively.
"It is very nice to see them there" - When Lionel Messi congratulated his Argentina teammates following Ballon d'Or gala
Shortly after the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris on October 28, Lionel Messi took to Instagram to congratulate the winners and nominees of the award. He specifically mentioned his Argentina teammates, including Emiliano Martinez, Lautaro Martinez, and Alejandro Garnacho. Lionel Messi wrote (translation via Instagram):
"Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the Ballon d'Or 2024. Especially to Dibu (how great, another award as the best goalkeeper in the world!), Lautaro, Leo, and Ale. It is very nice to see them there!"
Emiliano Martinez created history after winning the Yachine Trophy for two consecutive years in France Football's ceremony. The Aston Villa goalkeeper's honor came after he won the Copa America with Argentina. He also led his club to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1984.
Lautaro Martinez was among the 30-man shortlist for the men's Ballon d'Or and bagged seventh place in the final rankings. Meanwhile, Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho was nominated for the Kopa Trophy. Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal won the honor in the ceremony while Garnacho finished sixth.