Football legend David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, has voiced strong support for Lionel Messi to receive his record-extending ninth Ballon d'Or award. This endorsement follows Messi's continued stellar form, highlighted by his recent achievement of scoring his 100th goal for Inter Miami and delivering a decisive assist in their Campeones Cup triumph. Beckham emphasized Messi's unparalleled impact on the sport, particularly referencing his extraordinary performance in the 2026 World Cup, as clear evidence that the Argentine maestro remains at the pinnacle of global football and is the rightful candidate for the prestigious individual accolade.
Messi's illustrious career recently saw another significant milestone as he netted his 100th goal for Inter Miami, contributing to their 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup. This achievement underscores his seamless adaptation and continued dominance in Major League Soccer (MLS) since joining the club. The match, which pitted the winners of the US and Mexican cup competitions against each other, saw Messi not only open the scoring with a header but also provide a crucial assist to Casemiro, sealing the win for Miami. This consistent display of skill and match-winning ability, even at 39 years old, resonates with Beckham's belief in his deservingness of the Ballon d'Or.
Beckham's advocacy for Messi is deeply rooted in the Argentine's extraordinary contributions, particularly his performance in the 2026 World Cup. Despite Argentina's loss to Spain in the final, Messi's individual brilliance shone through, with eight goals and four assists during the tournament. His ability to deliver pivotal moments on the grandest stage, accumulating 12 career World Cup assists—with 10 in knockout stages—is unmatched in recorded history. These statistics, combined with his status as the second-highest goalscorer in World Cup history with 21 goals, solidify his legendary status and reinforce the argument for his ninth Ballon d'Or.
The Ballon d'Or nominations for 2026 feature a formidable list of talents, including England's Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice. Spanish World Cup winners like Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, alongside numerous stars from Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid such as Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, also populate the 30-player shortlist. As the award celebrates its 70th anniversary, with the ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London, the competition is fierce. However, the narrative around Messi's sustained excellence and his recent accomplishments continues to place him at the forefront of discussions.
The sentiment regarding Messi's enduring brilliance extends beyond Beckham. Casemiro, Messi's teammate at Inter Miami, echoed similar admiration following their Campeones Cup triumph. He urged fans and the football community to cherish Messi's presence in the game, emphasizing that his contributions are singular and that he remains the best in the world. This collective appreciation highlights the profound impact Messi continues to have, not just through his goal-scoring and playmaking, but also through his leadership and influence on and off the pitch. His recent success with Inter Miami, coming after his decision to retire from international football, marks a new chapter in a career already replete with unparalleled achievements, further cementing his legacy as one of football's all-time greats.
The football community eagerly awaits the announcement of the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner. Given Lionel Messi's extraordinary year, marked by his centennial goal for Inter Miami, a crucial assist in their Campeones Cup victory, and his remarkable World Cup campaign, the argument for him to claim his ninth Golden Ball is compelling. His enduring class, record-breaking statistics, and continuous ability to perform at the highest level, even at an advanced age for a footballer, underscore his unique position in the sport. Such sustained excellence reinforces the belief among many, including David Beckham, that Messi is undoubtedly the most deserving recipient of this year's most prestigious individual football award.
