Lionel Messi claims Lautaro Martinez 'deserves the Ballon d'Or more than anyone else' after linking up with Inter striker to great effect in Argentina's rout of Bolivia

Argentina cruised to a 6-0 win over Bolivia in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, with Messi and Lautaro both on target in an emphatic victory. It's been a good year for Lautaro, who has lifted the Copa America with Argentina and the Serie A title with club side Inter. The 27-year-old also scooped the Golden Boot at the Copa America after topping the goalscoring standings with five goals.

Lautaro's exploits have seen him shortlisted for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award but he is not one of the favourites for the prize which will be handed out on October 28 in Paris. However, Messi - who has won the award a record eight times - thinks the Inter striker fully deserves to scoop the prestigious award.

Messi said: "He had a spectacular year, he scored in the final, he was the top scorer in the Copa America. He deserves the Ballon d'Or more than anyone else "

Lautaro will be aiming for more titles again this season, with Inter currently second in the Serie A table, two points behind Napoli. Meanwhile, the Ballon d'Or will have a new owner shortly after Messi's success in 2023. Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr is expected to battle it out with Spain midfielder Rodri for the game's top individual award.