Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has claimed that Lautaro Martinez "deserves" to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
Martinez is one of two Argentina players on the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or along with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The Inter Milan striker is up for the award after impressing with his performances for club and country over the past year.
Last season, Martinez scored 24 goals in 33 league appearances to fire Inter to the Scudetto and finish the campaign as Serie A's top scorer.
Martinez was also named the Italian top-flight's Most Valuable Player for the 2023-24 campaign, before he enjoyed more success at the 2024 Copa America.
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Scaloni makes Martinez Ballon d'Or claim
The forward scored five goals in Argentina's successful Copa America success, ensuring he left the USA with the Golden Boot Award.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Bolivia, Scaloni claimed that Martinez deserves to be awarded the 2024 Ballon d'Or for his exceptional year of work.
"Lautaro has had a spectacular year," Scaloni told reporters. "He scored the goal in the final and was the top scorer of the Copa America."
"He deserves the Ballon d'Or more than anyone else. I hope it can be given to him."
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Will Martinez win the 2024 Ballon d'Or?
Undoubtedly, Martinez should be one of the top contenders to win the Ballon d'Or after playing a key role in Inter's title success and Argentina's triumphant Copa America campaign.
While Martinez would certainly be a worthy winner, he is facing intense competition from a number of notable names, including Manchester City's Rodri.
The midfielder helped Pep Guardiola's side clinch a fifth consecutive Premier League title, before he played a starring role in Spain's Euro 2024 success in Germany.
However, it appears that Vinicius Junior is in pole position to win the top prize after enjoying a successful 2023-24 season with Real Madrid.
Vinicius scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 competitive appearances to fire Real Madrid to a treble-winning season.
The Brazilian won La Liga, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup to put himself firmly in the frame to clinch the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
