Simeone Backs Messi for 2026 Ballon d’Or After Argentina’s World Cup Run
Diego Simeone has placed Lionel Messi at the centre of the 2026 Ballon d’Or debate, arguing that Argentina’s run to the World Cup final remains the decisive evidence despite the forward now being 39.
World Cup influence shapes Simeone’s choice
Speaking before Atletico Madrid’s forthcoming meeting with Osasuna, Simeone rejected the suggestion that Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe have separated themselves as football’s leading players.
The Atletico coach instead pointed to Messi’s international contribution as Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final, where they were beaten by Spain. Simeone believes Messi’s ability to continue producing at the highest level at his age gives him a stronger case than the other leading candidates.
“Messi, without any doubt,” Simeone said. “What he did after the World Cup, at the age he is, leaves no question for me. Messi.”
A crowded race for the 2026 award
Yamal had recently presented himself and Real Madrid forward Mbappe as the outstanding players in the game. The Spain teenager has also argued that his own season warrants recognition after winning the Liga title, Spanish Super Cup and World Cup with Spain.
Messi’s candidacy is competing with claims involving Yamal, Mbappe, Rodri, Harry Kane and Ousmane Dembele. Dembele, the current holder of the prize, has made clear that he intends to keep the award at Paris Saint-Germain.
“It will remain with a PSG player,” Dembele said. “I am competitive, and winning it again is my objective.”
How the Ballon d’Or discussion developed
- Yamal named himself and Mbappe as the game’s two leading players.
- He cited Spain’s World Cup victory, the Liga championship and the Spanish Super Cup as part of his case.
- Dembele stated his intention to defend the award after winning it with PSG.
- Simeone responded by backing Messi, with Argentina’s World Cup campaign central to his reasoning.
Messi’s place in award history
The 2026 shortlist is Messi’s 17th Ballon d’Or nomination. That leaves him one appearance behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the record with 18 nominations.
Messi last won the award in 2023, taking his total to eight titles. The 2026 event will be the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or and is set for October 26 in London.
It will be the first time the ceremony has been staged outside Paris. The move to England is intended to honour Sir Stanley Matthews, winner of the inaugural Ballon d’Or in 1956.
Key takeaways
- Simeone considers Messi the clear Ballon d’Or choice after Argentina’s journey to the 2026 World Cup final.
- Yamal, Mbappe, Rodri, Kane and Dembele are among the principal alternative contenders.
- Dembele is seeking to retain the award after his previous victory.
- Messi is making his 17th appearance on the shortlist and remains one nomination short of Ronaldo’s record.
- The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in London on October 26.
