As the highly anticipated 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, football fans and analysts are eagerly speculating on who will claim the prestigious prize. Lionel Messi, Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, has recently weighed in on the discussion, revealing his pick for the top honor. In a surprising move, Messi has chosen Lautaro Martinez as his preferred candidate for the award, leaving out high-profile players like Vinicius Junior and Rodri.
Messi’s Endorsement of Lautaro Martinez
Messi’s endorsement of Lautaro Martinez has come as a surprise to many, given the exceptional performances of other top contenders. The Argentine captain believes that Martinez, who had an outstanding season both internationally and at the club level, is the most deserving player for the Ballon d’Or this year.
“He’s had a spectacular year,” Messi said of his fellow Argentine forward. Martinez was a crucial player in Argentina’s Copa America campaign, scoring in the final and finishing as the tournament’s top scorer. His contributions to Inter Milan’s successes have also been pivotal, further solidifying his credentials for the award.
While Messi’s opinion carries significant weight, especially after his own historic career, his omission of certain other leading players, including Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid and Manchester City’s Rodri, has generated considerable discussion.
The Case for Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior is considered one of the top contenders for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, thanks to his incredible form for Real Madrid. The Brazilian forward played a key role in helping his club secure both La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles in the previous season. His tally of 24 goals across all competitions, combined with his ability to change the course of a match with his pace and dribbling skills, has made him a favorite among fans and pundits alike.
Brazilian football legends like Cafu and Neymar have publicly thrown their support behind Vinicius for the Ballon d’Or. Cafu, a former Brazil national team captain, recently expressed his belief that Vinicius is the rightful recipient of this year’s award. He praised Vinicius’ consistent performances and ability to rise to the occasion during critical moments.
Neymar Jr., who is also a former Barcelona star and a close friend of Messi, has echoed this sentiment. Neymar reiterated his support for Vinicius, stating that he deserves the prestigious prize, even above other notable contenders like England’s Jude Bellingham and Spain’s Rodri.
“Vinicius has had an incredible season, and I think he is ready to take home the Ballon d’Or. His performances speak for themselves,” Neymar commented.
Rodri’s Strong Case for Ballon d’Or
Rodri, Manchester City’s midfield maestro, is another name that has dominated Ballon d’Or conversations this year. The Spanish international was a crucial part of Manchester City’s domestic and European dominance, helping the club secure another Premier League title and their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy. Rodri also played a key role in Spain’s success in the 2024 UEFA Euro tournament, further strengthening his case for the Ballon d’Or.
Despite his stellar season, Rodri has been overlooked by Messi in favor of Lautaro Martinez. However, many analysts believe that Rodri’s ability to control the midfield, break up opposition attacks, and dictate the tempo of games makes him a strong candidate for the award. His role in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign cannot be underestimated.
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Messi’s Influence on the Ballon d’Or Debate
Lionel Messi’s opinion on football matters carries immense influence, and his endorsement of Lautaro Martinez is no different. As a current Ballon d’Or holder and the only player to have won the award seven times, Messi’s insights into the criteria needed to win the prestigious prize are highly respected.
For Messi, Martinez’s contributions to Argentina’s Copa America triumph and his success at the club level with Inter Milan are enough to make him the top contender for the Ballon d’Or. Messi highlighted the fact that Martinez’s consistent goal-scoring and leadership have been instrumental for both club and country.
Nevertheless, Messi’s decision to snub Vinicius Junior and Rodri has sparked debate. Both players have had incredible seasons, and their performances have been lauded by football fans and experts around the world.
The Ballon d’Or 2024 Ceremony: What to Expect
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 28 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. This event will celebrate the best football players in the world, and the buildup to the ceremony has been filled with excitement and speculation.
While Messi’s endorsement of Lautaro Martinez has shifted some attention towards the Argentine forward, the race for the Ballon d’Or remains wide open. Vinicius Junior, Rodri, and other top players like Jude Bellingham will continue to be strong contenders for the prize.
Football legends, including Brazil’s Cafu and Neymar, have voiced their opinions, adding to the ongoing debate about who truly deserves the award this year. Ultimately, the final decision will be made by a select panel of journalists, coaches, and players, who will weigh each player’s contributions over the past year before announcing the winner on the night of the ceremony.
