The Ballon d’Or 2026 debate has been one of the biggest soccer topics of the year, and we could see a big star lift the trophy next month in October.
Among the names nominated, Lionel Messi has emerged as one of the leading candidates after an impressive performance at the 2026 World Cup, where he helped Argentina reach the final. The 38-year-old scored eight goals and provided four assists in eight matches. However, he suffered the heartbreak of another final loss as Argentina were beaten by Spain.
Diego Simeone Backs Lionel Messi for Ballon d’Or
While the soccer world debates who will lift the coveted trophy this year, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has already made his choice. The Argentine believes his fellow countryman Lionel Messi deserves to win the Ballon d’Or once again.
The Inter Miami forward has already won the award eight times, more than any other player, while Cristiano Ronaldo follows with five.
Despite no longer playing for a top European club, Simeone believes Messi’s World Cup run was enough to put him in contention for the award. The former Barcelona star was once again the main player for Argentina, and it looked like he could be on his way to winning a second World Cup before Spain ended those hopes in the final.
Speaking to the media, Simeone said the 38-year-old was his pick for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
“Messi, without a doubt,” he said. “After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all.”
Simeone’s comments come amid reports from French outlet L’Équipe claiming that Messi was among the top five candidates to win the Ballon d’Or. The other reported names are Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
Yamal had an impressive La Liga season with Barcelona and also won the World Cup with Spain. Meanwhile, Mbappe and Dembele also enjoyed impressive campaigns as France reached the World Cup semifinals, while Dembele also won the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain.
