Ballon d’Or 2024: 'I agree with Lionel Messi' - Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez backed for glory

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Lautaro Martinez’s Internazionale team-mates past and present have backed the forward to win the Ballon d’Or. Yann Sommer and Edin Dzeko have thrown their support behind Martinez days after eight-time winner Lionel Messi also endorsed the striker. Rodri and Vinicius Junior are favourites for this year's prize. The Ballon d'Or will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on October 28.

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Lautaro Martinez’s Internazionale team-mates past and present have backed the striker to win the Ballon d’Or.

Martinez has been named among the 30 candidates for this year’s Ballon d’Or, and has been backed by international colleague and eight-time winner Lionel Messi to claim the prize.

Speaking on Tuesday Messi said, via Gazzetta dello Sport: “[Lautaro] had a spectacular year.

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“He scored in the [Copa America] final and was the best scorer. He deserves the Ballon d’Or more than anyone else.”

Martinez topped Serie A’s scoring charts last term as the Nerazzurri won a 20th Serie A title, while the forward also claimed the Copa America Golden Boot and netted in the tournament’s final as Argentina won their second successive continental prize.

Messi has tipped Lautaro to win the Ballon d'Or

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The forward’s Inter team-mate Yann Sommer has also insisted the player should win the Ballon d’Or.

“I entirely agree with Messi,” Sommer told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I’ve known Lautaro for one and a half years and immediately noticed his immense personality and his captain’s spirit.

“He is a deadly finisher. It would be such a deserved award.”

Meanwhile, Edin Dzeko, who played with Martinez at Inter between 2021 and 2023, was also asked about the prospect of Martinez winning the Ballon d’Or.

Dzeko told Gazzetta: “Yes. He was decisive for the Scudetto, decisive for the Copa America, it is right that he is among the candidates.”

Among the favourites for the Ballon d’Or are Rodri, who helped Manchester City to a Premier League crown and Spain to European Championship glory, as well as Brazil and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.

Neymar admitted he hoped his compatriot, Vinicius, wins his maiden Ballon d’Or later this month.

“We have a wonderful relationship, I love Vini,” Neymar said, as per Mundo Deportivo. “Vini is beyond, and he is a great friend to whom I was introduced by football.

“He had a great season, he certainly played a lot. I certainly will be rooting for him to win the Ballon d’Or, I don’t think there’s anyone else but him to win it.

“Today, he has become a great idol and a great hero for us, so I am very happy, very happy that he’s carrying this Brazilian flag around the world.

“We hope that it comes back to Brazil soon and that it’s now with Vini, a guy who deserves it because he’s a hard worker and has suffered a lot throughout his life, but he’s surpassed all expectations and [coped with] all the criticism.”

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