Leo Messi's recent statement has caused turmoil in the world of soccer. During a promotional event, The Argentine star revealed who he considers worthy of the Ballon d'Or. The surprise was huge, since his choice didn't fall on a player from FC Barcelona, not even on himself.
Messi's Unexpected Choice
Messi, who's won the Ballon d'Or eight times, surprised by choosing Lautaro Martínez, his teammate in the Argentine national team, as his favorite for this year.
Messi said: "He had a spectacular year, he scored a goal during the finals, he was the top scorer in Copa América; he deserves the Ballon d'Or more than anyone else."
This statement left many perplexed, including fans and, of course, Barça's young talents.
Lamine Yamal and his Admiration for Leo Messi
Lamine Yamal, the young star of FC Barcelona, is a big fan of Leo Messi. The talented footballer has grown up watching Leo Messi play and considers him his idol.
Upon learning of the Argentine's choice, Yamal couldn't hide his surprise. For him, receiving the support of his idol is a great honor, but also a reminder of the competition that exists in soccer.
Despite Lamine Yamal's potential, Leo Messi's recognition of Lautaro Martinez shows that he still has a long way to go. Yamal's admiration for Messi is palpable, and this news is likely to motivate him to continue working hard to achieve his goals.
Lautaro Martínez: a Dream year
Lautaro Martínez has had an impressive year. His role in the Argentine national team has been vital, especially in recent Copa América. Not only was he top scorer of the tournament, but also scored a crucial goal in the final.
His performance hasn't gone unnoticed, and Messi didn't hesitate to highlight his achievements. This recognition from Messi could catapult Lautaro even further in his career.
The possibility of Lautaro Martínez winning the Ballon d'Or is a widely discussed topic. Although the award will be presented on October 28, expectations are high.
Many believe that Messi's choice could influence the final decision. The Ballon d'Or vote will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated events of the year.
The Audience's Reaction
Messi's choice has sparked an intense debate on social media and among fans. Some support the Argentine's decision, arguing that Lautaro Martinez deserves recognition for his great season.
Others, however, see the lack of a Barça representative on the list of favorites as a worrying sign for the club.
The mutual admiration between Messi and young talents like Lamine Yamal is a reminder of the impact that legends have on the next generation. Lamine Yamal will take this experience as a boost to keep improving and, perhaps, in the future, be the one to receive the Ballon d'Or.