Lionel Messi revealed his surprise pick to win the Ballon d’Or.
On Tuesday Messi scored his 10 international hat-trick as Argentina dismantled Bolivia 6-0 in World Cup qualifying.
In turn, the 37-year-old, who also provided two assists for his team-mates, moved level with Cristiano Ronaldo for the player with the most hat-tricks in men’s international football.
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Speaking to TYC Sports after the game, Messi, who has a record eight Ballon d’Ors, claimed that international team-mate Lautaro Martinez deserves to win this year’s iteration of the 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 registered six assists in 33 appearances in last year’s Serie A, added that he believed he should be in contention for the Ballon d’Or this year.
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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 acknowledged that 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.”
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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].”
Topics: Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or, Lautaro Martinez, Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo, Copa America
Chris Byfield