Football: 2026 Ballon D’Or/ Messi should win it according to Beckham
David Beckham believes Lionel Messi deserves this year’s Ballon d’Or, calling the 39-year-old Argentina great unmatched at his age.
Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami on Wednesday, heading in a Luis Suarez cross during a 2-0 win over Cruz Azul that clinched the Campeones Cup. He also assisted Casemiro’s second goal as Miami claimed the trophy for the first time.
“When you see him do things like this… there is no one at 39 doing that at that level,” said Beckham, Miami’s co-owner. “In my opinion, he should win it.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is nominated on the 30-player shortlist for 2026. He helped Argentina reach the World Cup final, scoring eight goals and providing four assists, though Spain prevailed.
Messi now has 12 career World Cup assists ten in knockout rounds, more than any recorded player. His 21 World Cup goals trail only Kylian Mbappe’s 22.
The performance followed his retirement from international football in August and comments about considering his future after his father’s death.
“What he has done and continues to do for football is incredible,” said Casemiro. “He remains the best.”
