Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has endorsed Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, describing him as “sensational.”
_Praise for Martinez_
Ahead of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League clash with Inter Milan on Wednesday, Guardiola expressed admiration for Martinez’s exceptional talent. “Lautaro Martínez can definitely win the Ballon d’Or; I would rather a Man City player won that accolade, but he is a sensational player.”
_Martinez’s Credentials_
Martinez, among the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist, boasts impressive credentials, including captaining Argentina to World Cup and Copa América triumphs.
_Guardiola’s Analysis_
“If you are a captain, a forward, and you play with Argentina, the World Cup champions and Copa América winners, you have to be a special player, otherwise, it’s difficult,” Guardiola noted.
_Ballon d’Or Race_
The winner of the prestigious award will be announced on October 28. While Guardiola would prefer a Manchester City player to claim the honor, his praise for Martinez underscores the Argentine’s growing reputation as a top contender.
_Champions League Showdown_
As Manchester City prepares to face Inter Milan, Guardiola’s comments highlight the threat posed by Martinez, who will be eager to prove his Ballon d’Or credentials on the European stage.
