Messi Reveals His Favorite for the Ballon d’Or; Choice Surprises

Every year, the race for the Ballon d’Or generates expectations and discussions in the football world. Vinícius Júnior, Rodri, Bellingham, and Mbappé are mentioned as potential winners. However, Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players of all time, has his own opinion on who should take home the trophy this year.

Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, surprised many by naming his compatriot Lautaro Martínez as a deserving candidate for the award. The Inter Milan forward was highlighted by the Argentine star for his exceptional performances last season, both in club competitions and international tournaments.

According to Messi, Lautaro Martínez stood out significantly during the previous season. The player not only won titles with Inter Milan and the Argentine National Team but also had impressive outings in Serie A and the Copa América. These achievements bolster Messi’s view that Lautaro deserves to be recognized as the best player in the world.

Martínez was a world champion with Argentina in 2022 and played a crucial role in the team that won the Italian championship, finishing as the competition’s top scorer with 24 goals. These accomplishments confirm his status as one of today’s top strikers.

While Messi is backing Lautaro, Cristiano Ronaldo, another football icon, has also shared his thoughts. For the Portuguese star, Kylian Mbappé is a name to consider for the Ballon d’Or in the coming years. Ronaldo believes that the talent and consistency of the young Frenchman position him as a serious candidate to accumulate multiple awards in the future.

Vinícius Júnior, although not mentioned in the lists by Messi and Ronaldo, is another strong contender. His performance for Real Madrid and the Brazilian National Team places him among the favorites to receive this year’s honors from France Football.

Achievements in national and international championships often weigh heavily in the evaluation of Ballon d’Or winners. Players who lead their teams to significant victories typically receive more votes. In Martínez’s case, his decisive role in leading Inter Milan to success and his contributions to Argentina are factors that strengthen his candidacy.

Beyond individual performances, the impact of players on their teams’ results remains an important criterion. Thus, the choice of the winner is not merely a matter of statistics but also about directly influencing games and championships.

As the award ceremony approaches, anticipation grows among players and fans alike. The decision will be revealed on October 28 by France Football, a moment eagerly awaited on the football calendar.