Lionel Messi revealed his unexpected choice for the upcoming Ballon d’Or winner.
On Tuesday, Messi netted his 10th international hat-trick during Argentina’s 6-0 victory over Bolivia in World Cup qualifying.
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The 37-year-old, who also set up two goals for his teammates, equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most hat-tricks in men’s international football…Continue Reading
In an interview with TYC Sports after the match, Messi, a record-holder with eight Ballon d’Or titles, expressed that his Argentina teammate Lautaro Martinez is deserving of this year’s award.
Messi said: “Lautaro deserves the Ballon D’Or more than anyone. He had a spectacular year, he scored a goal in the [Copa America] final, he was the top scorer in Copa America.”
Meanwhile, Martinez, who netted 24 times and provided six assists in 33 games in last year’s Serie A, added that he believed he should be in contention for the Ballon d’Or this year.
He said: “I don’t know if I deserve to win the Ballon D’Or but after the spectacular year I had I deserve to be up there”
Elsewhere, Messi revealed his international career was approaching its end, when he refused to say whether he would play in the 2026 World Cup.
“I didn’t set any date or deadline about my future,” Messi said. “I’m just enjoying all this. I am more emotional than ever and taking all the love from the people because I know these can be my last games.”
Messi added: “It’s a joy to be present and appreciate this moment. Being surrounded by younger teammates, given my age, makes me feel like a kid again.
“I find myself doing silly things because I feel so comfortable. As long as I maintain that feeling and can continue contributing to the team, I plan to be here enjoying [the national team].”
