Lautaro Martinez: ‘Ready to compete’ for Ballon d’Or 2024 | OneFootball

Lautaro Martinez assures he is ‘ready to compete’ for the Ballon d’Or after winning the Scudetto for Inter and the Copa America with Argentina, both as top scorer.

“Considering the season I had, I deserve to be where I am,” said the centre-forward.

“I worked hard and suffered so much in the previous years. This is the second year in a row that I will participate in this ceremony. I think that I am ready to compete for this recognition.”

Serie A was largely ignored in the 30-man shortlist released by France Football ahead of the ceremony on October 28 in Paris.

Lautaro Martinez and his Inter teammate Hakan Calhanoglu, plus Atalanta hat-trick hero Ademola Lookman, were the only representatives, as Artem Dovbyk joined Roma after his exploits in LaLiga, while Mike Maignan of Milan is up for the Yacine Award as a goalkeeper.

Incredible 2024 for Lautaro Martinez

Of the players, the Argentine has more than a fair reason to hope for a good placement, as he won the Serie A title as Capocannoniere, plus the Copa America as top scorer for Argentina.

The 27-year-old scored 24 goals in 33 Serie A appearances last season on the way to the title for Inter.

He also found the net five times in the Copa America for Argentina, including the winner in extra time during the Final against Colombia in July.

The favourites to lift the Ballon d’Or are Real Madrid pair Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, or Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri.