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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ballon d'Or winner set to be announced</li><li>Messi says Lautaro deserves top prize</li><li>Has won the Copa America and Serie A this year</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Lionel Messi claims Lautaro Martinez 'deserves the Ballon d'Or more than anyone else' after linking up with Inter striker to great effect in Argentina's rout of Bolivia

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/argentina-player-ratings-vs-bolivia-lionel-messi-hat-trick-la-albiceleste-world-cup-qualifying/bltb4e9b5e9103ea4ac" target="_blank">Argentina cruised to a 6-0 win over Bolivia</a> in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, with Messi and Lautaro both on target in an emphatic victory. It's been a good year for Lautaro, who has lifted the Copa America with Argentina and the Serie A title with club side Inter. The 27-year-old also scooped the Golden Boot at the Copa America after topping the goalscoring standings with five goals.</p><p></p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Lautaro's exploits have seen him <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/ballon-dor-2024-power-rankings/blt64e16da6b8170bb7#cs2610725d44663ee4" target="_blank">shortlisted for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award</a> but he is not one of the favourites for the prize which will be handed out on October 28 in Paris. However, Messi - <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-eighth-ballon-dor-last-inter-miami-mls/blt76eb1bf7bb278558" target="_blank">who has won the award a record eight times</a> - thinks the Inter striker fully deserves to scoop the prestigious award.</p><p></p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Messi said: "He had a spectacular year, he scored in the final, he was the top scorer in the Copa America.&nbsp;He deserves the Ballon d'Or more than anyone else&nbsp;"</p>

WHAT MESSI SAID

<p>Lautaro will be aiming for more titles again this season, with Inter currently second in the Serie A table, two points behind Napoli. Meanwhile, the Ballon d'Or will have a new owner shortly after Messi's success in 2023. Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr is expected to battle it out with Spain midfielder Rodri for the game's top individual award.</p><p></p>

WHAT NEXT FOR LAUTARO?

Lionel Messi claims Lautaro Martinez 'deserves the Ballon d'Or more than anyone else' after linking up with Inter striker to great effect in Argentina's rout of Bolivia | Goal.com

Lionel Messi claimed Argentina team-mate Lautaro Martinez should win the Ballon d&apos;Or after linking up with the Inter star for the national side.

Lionel Messi claims Lautaro Martinez &apos;deserves the Ballon d&apos;Or more than anyone else&apos; after linking up with Inter striker to great effect in Argentina&apos;s rout of Bolivia