Simone Inzaghi, the manager of Inter Milan, strongly asserts that Lautaro Martinez should be the rightful recipient of this year’s Ballon d’Or, even ahead of renowned figures like Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.
Despite being among the nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, the 26-year-old Martinez isn’t widely considered a frontrunner for the prestigious award.
In the 2022-2023 season, Martinez delivered an outstanding performance both at the club and international level. He netted an impressive 28 goals and contributed with 11 assists in 57 appearances across various competitions for Inter Milan. This remarkable effort led to Inter Milan’s triumph in the Coppa Italia and a place in the final of the UEFA Champions League.
Nonetheless, it appears that the 2023 Ballon d’Or is poised to be claimed by his compatriot and Argentina teammate, Lionel Messi, for an astonishing eighth time. Inzaghi passionately argues that Martinez’s exceptional achievements from the past season deserve greater recognition, making a compelling case for the striker to be honored with a place on the awards podium at the upcoming ceremony.
“(Martinez deserves it) because of the path he has taken and the trophies he has won, he is worthy of the Ballon d’Or,” Inzaghi said (via TNT Sports).
“He has to be there that night, I don’t think he will win but he has to continue like this.”
