David Beckham backs Messi for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the Inter Miami co-owner arguing that Lionel Messi’s remarkable club and international campaign deserves the ultimate individual prize.
Messi added to his claim on Wednesday when he netted his 100th Inter Miami goal in a 2-0 win over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup. He also assisted former Real Madrid and Man United midfielder Casemiro’s second goal for Miami to secure their first win in the tournament.
In hailing Messi’s skill at 39, Beckham also pointed out his role in Argentina’s World Cup success. The Argentina captain netted eight goals and dished out four assists in his team’s run to the final, where they got downed by Spain.
“No one at 39 is doing that and that’s at that level,” Beckham said, adding that Messi deserves the Ballon d’Or.
Messi also had his own to add to the incredible World Cup record. Currently holds 11 assists all-time in World Cups, of which 10 have come from his time in knockout stage games. He has scored 21 goals, putting him second in the competition’s history of scoring behind France’s Kylian Mbappe.
The Inter Miami star is in field of 30 candidates for this year’s Ballon d’Or. Others on the shortlist are Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham and Mbappe.
Paris Saint-Germain are represented by nine players and Spain are represented by six players after their World Cup victory. The award race is proceeding towards its final stages after Messi, who won the Ballon d’Or, will be named in London on October 26.
