Messi congratulates Inter and Aston Villa stars after Ballon d’Or ceremony | OneFootball

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has sent a message of congratulations to his Argentina teammate and Inter star Lautaro Martinez, as well as to compatriot Emiliano Martinez after the 2024 ceremony in Paris on Monday night.

Lautaro Martinez finished in seventh place in the overall rankings, the highest position of Serie A representatives on the 30-player shortlist for the main award. He had scored five goals, averaging one every 44 minutes as Argentina won the Copa America over the summer.

Messi congratulates Martinezes after Ballon d’Or success

“Congratulations to all the winners nominees at the 2024 Ballon d’Or,” Messi wrote in an Instagram story.

“Especially to Dibu (how amazing, another award for the best goalkeeper in the world) and to Lautaro, Leo and Ale. It’s really great to see them all there,” he continued.

There was a sweet moment at the ceremony, as Lautaro Martinez was invited on stage to present the Yachine Trophy to his international teammate and namesake, Emiliano. The Aston Villa goalkeeper became the first person ever to win the award for the best goalkeeper on multiple occasions.

Argentine and Inter forward Lautaro Martinez (L) presents Argentine and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, 28 October 2024. EPA-EFE/MOHAMMED BADRA

Five Serie A players were on the shortlist for the main award at the Ballon d’Or on Monday night, including Lautaro Martinez, plus Ademola Lookman, Hakan Calhanoglu, Mats Hummels and Artem Dovbyk.

There were also nominations for Italy no.1 Gianluigi Donnarumma, Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer and Milan’s Mike Maignan in the Yachine Trophy, which was eventually won by Martinez.