Argentine legend Lionel Messi, a record 8-time Ballon d'Or winner, has revealed the player who he believes deserved to win the award but failed to do so.
Messi will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players football has ever known, and during his career he has won the most famous individual trophy, the Ballon d'Or, a full eight times, more than any other player in history.
This year's Ballon d'Or 2025 ceremony will take place on Monday in Paris, with the favourites to lift the trophy being Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah and Raphinha.
However, Messi did not hesitate to mention a player who he believes deserves the award but has yet to win it. In 2024, he highlighted Lautaro Martinez, his fellow Argentine, as a deserving candidate for the Ballon d'Or.
"He had a spectacular year, scored in the final and was the top scorer in the Copa America. He deserves the Ballon d'Or more than any other player," Messi told Give Me Sport.
Martinez himself commented at the time:
"For the season I've had, I think I deserve this place. I've worked hard and gone through a lot of difficulties in the past years. This is the second time I've been in the final stages for the Ballon d'Or, and I think I have what it takes to win it."
Not only did Messi support Martinez, but Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer also said:
"I completely agree with Messi. I've known Lautaro for a year and a half and I immediately noticed his extraordinary personality and captain's spirit. He's a deadly finisher. This award would be very well deserved."
Edin Dzeko, his former teammate, added:
"He was decisive for the Scudetto and for the Copa America; it's right that he is among the candidates."
In the end, Manchester City's Rodri won the Ballon d'Or, beating Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham. Martinez finished in seventh place, behind the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Dani Carvajal. /Gazeta Express/
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