In a World Cup qualifier in South America, Argentina crushed Bolivia 6-0, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick and providing two assists. After the match, Messi and Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni unanimously named Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez as one of the leading candidates for the Ballon d’Or following last season, as reported La Gazzetta dello Sport :
– I hope Lautaro Martinez will be the one to win the Ballon d’Or, because he deserves it more than anyone. And I am convinced that if this recognition of Lautaro’s merits does not reach him now, it will surely come to him sooner or later, – said Scaloni.
The arguments made by Messi and Scaloni rely on Martinez’s impressive performances in the 2023-24 season, where he played over 50 games for Inter and the Argentina national team, winning the title of top scorer in the Serie A with 24 goals in 33 matches and contributing five goals in six matches during the Copa America, including the decisive extra-time goal in the final against Colombia. The only downside for Lautaro was scoring just two goals in eight Champions League games, as well as a crucial missed penalty against Atletico Madrid that allowed Diego Simeone’s side to qualify for the quarter-finals.
– Of course, my wife and I will be at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, with the same enthusiasm as usual. I always say the team is bigger than any individual player, but I truly believe my last season was remarkable – winning the league with Inter, the league title and five goals at the Copa America. If we analyze all this, although I don’t want to say it yet, I definitely have anticipation and excitement for the evening when the Ballon d’Or will be awarded, – concluded Martinez.
Swiss
