Inzaghi, however, admitted that with the caliber of players competing with him, he might just fall short
By Kehinde Okeowo
Inter Milan manager, Simone Inzaghi has made a case for his striker, Lautaro Martinez, saying he deserves to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Martinez is among the nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, but he faces an uphill task with the likes of Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland also listed as contenders.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a fantastic 2022-2023 season at club and country, lifting the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar.
He also scored 28 goals and registered 11 assists in 57 games across competitions for Inter Milan, winning the Coppa Italia and making it to the final of the UEFA Champions League.
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Despite this, the 2023 Ballon d’Or looks to be heading to his Argentine teammate Messi for a record eighth time.
Speaking with TNT Sports on the award, his coach, Inzaghi argued that Martinez’s exploits last season deserve more credit and that the attacker merits being on the podium at the awards ceremony next week.
He, however, admitted that with the caliber of players competing with him, he might just fall short.
He said: “(Martinez deserves it) because of the path he has taken and the trophies he has won, he is worthy of the Ballon d’Or.
“He has to be there that night, I don’t think he will win but he has to continue like this.”
