“Messi’s words more important than Ballon d’Or jury” - Materazzi tells Lautaro Martinez to take inspiration from Lionel Messi comment

Italy legend Marco Materazzi has urged Lautaro Martinez to focus on Lionel Messi's words and not the final ranking in the 2024 award. He believes that the recognition from the legendary footballer is more important than the votes from the jurors.

Speaking to Gazzetta (via onefootball.com), Materazzi stated that Martinez should have finished in the top 5 and not 7th, as decided by the jurors. He added that the striker was on top of his form last year:

"Lauti must heed Messi's words because his judgement is more important than the one of the Ballon d'Or jury. Let me add the love from all the Inter fans. Lautaro is an icon, a real captain who led the team to a historic achievement like the Scudetto and the second star. He was the best Serie A scorer. These elements must motivate you and help you raise the bar."

Materazzi added that Rodri deserved to win the Ballon d'Or:

"Undoubtedly among the top five. Can't complain about Rodri, who won the Champions League and the Euros, or Carvajal. But Lautaro has also won trophies with Inter and Argentina. He's right when he says he expected more. Let's put it this way: sometimes, the jurors make bizarre decisions. I think the Ballon d'Or doesn't count much.

"The real value is determined by the clubs with which you win trophies. And I would say that Lautaro is in a good position. He has won with Inter and Argentina, including a World Cup and two Copa America, the last one as the best scorer. This is what counts."

Lionel Messi was not in the top 30 this year despite playing a key role in Inter Miami's MLS Supporters' Shield triumph. He also won the Copa America with Argentina, but got injured in the final.

What did Lionel Messi say about Lautaro Martinez and the Ballon d'Or?

Lionel Messi talked about the Ballon d'Or in October where he stated that Lautaro Martinez is a deserving candidate. He claimed that the Argentine striker was brilliant for club and country and said via Yahoo:

"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."

Lionel Messi was not the only player to back Lautaro Martinez for the Ballon d'Or award. Yann Sommer and Edin Dzeko also put their weight behind the Argentine striker for the France Football award in October.