Ballon D'or 2023: Inzaghi Snubs Lionel Messi, Backs his Argentine Teammate to Win Award

• Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are the firm favourites to win the 2023 Ballon d'Or award
• However, Inter boss Simone Inzaghi contends that Lautaro Martinez is a more deserving candidate
• Martinez's goalscoring prowess helped Inter win the Coppa Italia as well as reach the UCL final

Inter Milan boss, Simone Inzaghi has weighed in on who should win the 2023 Ballon d'Or award.

Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland have been touted as the firm favourites to cart home the prestigious gong on Monday, October 30.

The duo enjoyed a successful year under review, with Haaland's record-breaking season with Manchester City helping the club win a historic treble.

On his part, Messi was phenomenal for Argentina, as his heroics helped the South American football powerhouse lift the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

According to 90Min, Haaland and Messi will be coming up against 28 other football stars who have been nominated for the Ballon d'Or.

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Premier League stars Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri are among the other players who are in the running for the accolade.

Martinez backed for 2023 Ballon d'Or

However, Inter boss Inzaghi contends that there is no player more deserving of the award than Lautaro Martinez.

Sportskeeda reports that the forward bagged 28 goals and 11 assists in 57 games across all competitions for Inter, as his side won the Coppa Italia and made it to the final of the UEFA Champions League.

He went on to play a big part in Argentina's World Cup triumph, making him a worthy candidate for the Ballon d'Or, per Inzaghi.

"(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."

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How much money do Ballon d'Or winners get?

Sports Brief has also reported that the award is one of the few trophies that doesn't include a monetary value attached to it. In fact, there is no known prize from the French magazine for all the previous winners.

Just like half-time performers at the Super Bowl aren't paid, in the same vein, the benefits that come with winning the Ballon d'Or are massive.