Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez feels that Ballon d’Or praise from Argentina legend Lionel Messi is “an honour.”
The 27-year-old spoke to Argentine magazine Icon, via FCInter1908. He also said that winning the Champions League would be the “cherry on top” for him.
Inter captain Martinez finished seventh in the Ballon d’Or voting this year.
That was a reflection of the fact that the Argentine striker has had a hugely successful year for both club and country.
With Inter, Martinez won the Serie A title in his first season with the captain’s armband. Moreover, he did so as the top scorer in the division – the first time he’d done so.
And with Argentine, Martinez was the top scorer at the Copa America over the summer.
That included the extra time winner against Colombia in the final as the Albiceleste lifted for the trophy for the second time running.
That success led some to think that Martinez should have finished even higher than seventh – or even won the Ballon d’Or. Legendary Argentina captain Messi was among them.
Inter Captain Lautaro Martinez Calls Lionel Messi Praise “An Honour”
Of Messi saying that Martinez “deserves [the Ballon d’Or] more than anyone,” the Inter captain said that “For me it’s an honour that the greatest player of all time thinks that.”
“I’m very happy to have been among the candidates,” he continued.
“I think it’s recognition for a great season with the national team, with whom I won the Copa America, and with my club.”
“I won the Scudetto and the second start with Inter,” Martinez noted. “And the Supercoppa Italiana.”
“And from a personal point of view, I was the top scorer in both competitions. I was named as the MVP in Serie A.”
Meanwhile, Martinez also outlined his ambitions.
“I always say that a trophy cabinet can never be too full,” he said. “There’s always space for new trophies, and winning them is always a pleasure.”
“It’s true that I’ve been fortunate enough to win a lot of trophies already with my national team and my club,” Martinez said.
“But you always have to be aiming to win your next trophy.”
“Winning the Champions League and being Argentina captain would certainly be the cherry on top,” Martinez said.