'More than anyone else' — Argentina captain Lionel Messi picks Ballon d'or winner

'More than anyone else' — Argentina captain Lionel Messi picks Ballon d'or winner

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 17:33 - 16.10.2024

Inter Miami and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has revealed the most deserving winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or award.

Lionel Messi is backing his Argentine teammate Lautaro Martinez for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, insisting he deserves the award "more than anyone else" after a phenomenal year.

Lautaro is among the 30 nominees for the prestigious honor, which will be announced in Paris on October 28.

The Inter Milan captain had an incredible 2023-24 season, leading his team to their 20th Serie A title and becoming the league's top scorer.

He also starred in Argentina's Copa America triumph, scoring the winning goal in the final and finishing as the tournament's top scorer.

Messi backs Lautaro Martinez for Ballon d'Or

"Lautaro had a spectacular year," Messi said after Argentina's 6-0 win over Bolivia.

"He scored in the [Copa America] Final and was the best scorer. He deserves the Ballon d'Or more than anyone else."

Martinez will have to fend up Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior and Manchester City's Rodri to win the award and keep it in Argentina, following Messi's win last year.