If it were up to Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez would win the Ballon d'Or this year. According to Messi, his compatriot deserves the prestigious award due to his performances with Argentina and his club, Inter Milan.
Inter Milan's dominance in Italian football this year has been one of the standout stories of the season, and at the heart of their success has been the brilliance of Lautaro Martínez.
The Argentine striker played a pivotal role in securing Inter’s twentieth Serie A title, marking a historic moment for the club. This victory solidified their return to prominence in Italian football after several years without consistent top-level success. Martínez, who had been an essential part of the team’s attacking force, was crucial not only in winning the championship but also in claiming the Serie A top scorer title for the first time in his career. His impressive tally of goals throughout the season showcased his evolution as one of Europe’s elite forwards.
But Martínez's accomplishments didn’t stop at club level. He carried his extraordinary form into the international stage with Argentina, where his performances continued to shine. The 27-year-old forward was a key figure in Argentina’s triumphant Copa América campaign during the summer. In a memorable final against Colombia, Martínez was the hero, scoring the only goal that secured Argentina the title. His ability to perform on the biggest stage, under immense pressure, was further proven as he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer. His consistency and contributions to both his club and country have drawn widespread acclaim and positioned him as one of the top contenders for the prestigious Ballon d'Or.
The Ballon d'Or, regarded as the highest individual honor in world football, is awarded to the best player in the world based on performances over the previous season. While competition for the 2024 award is fierce, with many top players putting forward strong cases, Martínez’s combination of individual accolades, team success, and international triumph has put him firmly in the conversation.
One of Martínez's strongest advocates is none other than Lionel Messi, his Argentine teammate and arguably the greatest footballer of all time. Messi, fresh off a dazzling performance for Argentina in a World Cup qualifier against Bolivia, didn’t hesitate to praise Martínez's achievements in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner himself, knows more than anyone what it takes to win football's most coveted individual prize. His endorsement of Martínez carries significant weight. "Lautaro has had a spectacular year. He deserves the Ballon d'Or this year more than anyone," Messi said, offering the highest level of praise from a player who has been the standard-bearer in world football for over a decade.
Martínez’s inclusion as one of the thirty candidates for the 2024 Ballon d'Or adds further credibility to his standing as one of the world's best. Winning such an award would not only cap an extraordinary year for the Argentine forward but also place him in the elite company of players who have etched their names into football history. The announcement of the winner will take place on October 28 in Paris, and the football world is eagerly awaiting the outcome.
However, the Ballon d'Or race is always filled with rumors and speculation. According to a report by MARCA, Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior, a key figure for Real Madrid, may have already been informed that he is the recipient of this year’s award. Vinícius had a remarkable season himself, contributing to Real Madrid’s successes and establishing himself as one of the most exciting talents in the game. If true, this report has certainly added an extra layer of intrigue to the build-up ahead of the official ceremony.
Regardless of who ultimately claims the Ballon d'Or, Martínez’s name has been cemented among the very best in football through his extraordinary performances for both club and country. His rise over the past year has been meteoric, and whether or not he claims the coveted prize this time around, his future in the sport looks exceptionally bright. For now, the Argentine striker remains focused on continuing his form and achieving even greater success in the years to come. As the countdown to the Ballon d'Or announcement continues, football fans around the world will watch closely, with Martínez’s name echoing as one of the true standouts of the season.
