Lionel Messi has named the player who deserves to win the Ballon d'Or but never has.
Argentine legend Messi will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever grace a football pitch.
Over the years, the Ballon d'Or trophy has been handed to Messi on eight occasions, the most in history.
On Monday, the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner will be announced at the star-studded ceremony in Paris, France.
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The likes of Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah and Raphinha are among the favourites to lift the prestigious trophy.
Although Messi has won the award eight times, he did pick out one player who deserves to win it but is yet to go close.
Back in 2024, Messi picked out fellow Argentine Lautaro Martinez as someone who deserves the Golden Ball.
As per Give Me Sport, Messi said: "He had a spectacular year, he scored in the final, he was the top scorer in the Copa America. He deserves the Ballon d'Or more than anyone else."
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At the time, Martinez himself said: "For the season I've had, I think I deserve to be where I am.
"Because I've worked hard, and I've also suffered a lot in previous years. It's the second time I've been in the final phase for the Ballon d'Or, and I think I have what it takes to be there."
Messi wasn't the only player who backed Martinez to win the Ballon d'Or, Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer said: "I entirely agree with Messi.
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"I’ve known Lautaro for one and a half years and immediately noticed his immense personality and his captain’s spirit. He is a deadly finisher. It would be such a deserved award."
Former teammate Edin Dzeko added: "He was decisive for the Scudetto, decisive for the Copa America; it is right that he is among the candidates."
Eventually, Manchester City star Rodri won the Ballon d'Or ahead of Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham.
Martinez ended up in seventh place behind the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Dani Carvajal.
Topics: Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or, Football, Argentina, Lautaro Martinez
Marcus Chan