Lautaro Martinez: Messi's teammate backed to challenge Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham for Ballon d'Or

• The race for the 2024 edition of the France Football prestigious Ballon d'Or award continues to generate significant conversation
• Several players poised to challenge Real Madrid's duo of Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham, for the prize continue to emerge
• Lionel Messi's Argentine teammate, Lautaro Martinez, is the latest candidate tipped to clinch the prestigious Golden Ball prize

The question of who will win the 2024 Ballon d'Or remains one of the most eagerly debated topics in football.

While Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham have been widely considered frontrunners for the prestigious France Football award, new contenders have emerged following recent UEFA Euro and Copa America tournaments.

Lautaro Martinez celebrates with the top scorer trophy after winning the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium on July 15, 2024. Image: Omar Vega.
Source: Getty Images

Manchester City's Rodrigo Hernandez is one such candidate who is making waves.

However, despite the growing support for the Spanish midfielder, fans on social media are championing Lionel Messi’s Argentine teammate, Lautaro Martinez, as a strong contender. The 26-year-old had an outstanding 2023/24 season.

According to data courtesy of B/R Football, the Inter Milan forward netted 35 goals and provided eight assists, leading Inter to the Italian Serie A title and securing the Italian Super Cup. Martinez’s stellar season climaxed with a Copa America title victory.

The Inter forward also claimed the Serie A Golden Boot, Serie A Most Valuable Player award, and Copa América Golden Boot, among other accolades.

These remarkable achievements have sparked considerable support for him to surpass other candidates in the race for the Ballon d'Or.

Fans charge Martinez to win Ballon d'Or

@ugo_himself remarked:

“Not sure why no one is mentioning this, but he deserves the Ballon d'Or more than Vini.”

@AmeerWeb3 added:

“What an incredible season! He’s really underrated.”

@psg__chief shared his view:

“He’s definitely a Ballon d'Or contender.”

@half_castFCB responded:

“He’s absolutely deserving of Ballon d'Or consideration too.”

@Legacyars posed a question:

“Could he actually win the Ballon d'Or over Vinicius?”

Messi picks Ballon d'Or favourites

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Messi has named Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe among the frontrunners for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award but has excluded Jude Bellingham from the race.

The England midfielder, who had a stellar debut season with Real Madrid, is expected to provide stiff competition to whoever is in the running for the prize.

The Ballon d’Or, which both Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have largely dominated over the last decade, saw the Argentina captain add another to his record-extending accolade following his triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Source: TUKO.co.ke