Lautaro Martinez delighted by Messi recognition, but still has big Inter dream | OneFootball

Lautaro Martinez is ‘honoured’ that Leo Messi thought he should have won the Ballon d’Or and dreams of lifting the Champions League as Inter’s captain.

Lautaro ranked 7th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or but admitted he wasn’t entirely happy with the achievement.

His compatriot, Leo Messi, said Lautaro deserved the award more than any other player after winning the Serie A title with Inter and the Copa America with Argentina, becoming the top scorer in both competitions.

“It’s an honour that the greatest player ever thinks this about me,” Lautaro told Icon Magazine in an interview released before the Ballon d’Or ceremony and published today.

Lautaro Martinez delighted by Messi recognition, but still has big Inter dream

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – JUNE 14: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina looks on during the first half against Guatemala at Commanders Field on June 14, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

“I am happy to be among the candidates, as it recognizes a great season with my national team and club.

“I’ve developed as a man and as a footballer,” Lautaro continued.

“When I arrived in Italy, I was a 20-year-old kid, and I’ve become a father and husband in these last six years. This has helped me improve as a player, and I proudly became the Inter captain.”

When asked about his favourite goals, the Argentinean ace replied, “I’d pick two, the winner in the Copa America Final and a goal in the Milan derby in the Champions League semifinal. ”

Lautaro has won the Serie A title twice with Inter and reached the Champions League Final in 2023 when the Nerazzurri lost to Manchester City.

Especially after that defeat, the Cup With The Big Ears remains a top target for the 27-year-old hitman.

“I always say that the trophy cabinet is never full enough, and I can always find space for new trophies,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky enough to win with my club and national team, but you must always think about the next one. Surely, winning the Champions League as Inter’s captain would be the icing on the cake.”

Lautaro scored a goal in Inter’s 3-0 win over Empoli on Wednesday, becoming the Nerazzurri’s most prolific foreign goal scorer.