“We didn’t talk about this award” - Lautaro Martinez makes big admission after Lionel Messi backs him to win 2024 Ballon d’Or

Inter Milan and Argentina forward Lautaro Martinez has opened up about Lionel Messi backing him to win the Ballon d'Or this year. He revealed that the duo hadn't talked about the individual award.

During an interview with DAZN, Martinez was quizzed if he spoke to Messi after the Inter Miami star backed him to win the Ballon d'Or. He replied that while they hadn't had a conversation about the same, he was happy that Messi was back in the team. He said (via EuroSport):

"We didn't talk about this award. I was just pleased he was back with us in the Argentina squad. I always work hard to help the team, but individual awards mean a lot too, as they show you are working well. I focus on the team first, then if I get an individual award, it is also thanks to my teammates, the staff and the fans. We are a great team, everyone works in their own way to raise the bar."

Messi last week claimed that Martinez deserved to win the France Football award. He said (via Yahoo Sport):

"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."

Spanish outlet Diario AS have reported that Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr will win the Ballon d'Or this year. The award will be handed out at the event on Monday, October 28, in Paris.

Lionel Messi not the only one to back Lautaro Martinez for Ballon d'Or

Goalkeeper Yann Sommer, Lautaro Martinez's teammate at Inter Milan, has also backed the Argentine to win the Ballon d'Or this year. The goalkeeper echoed Lionel Messi's words and stated that the forward deserved the award. He told La Gazzetta dello Sport (via EuroSport):

"I entirely agree with Lionel Messi. 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."

Dzeko, a former Inter Milan teammate of Martinez, also told Gazzetta that the Argentine striker deserved the Ballon d'Or. He stated that the forward played a key role in Inter's Serie A triumph and Argentina's Copa America win, so it was ideal for him to win the award. He said:

"Yes. He was decisive for the Scudetto, decisive for the Copa America, it is right that he is among the candidates."

Martinez is among the official top 30 candidates to win the Ballon d'Or this year. However, for the first time in two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are not in the running for the award.