Lionel Messi deserves Ballon d’Or 2026: Simeone picks Argentine ahead of Mbappe and Yamal

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has backed Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or in 2026, putting the Argentina captain ahead of other big names in contention. Simeone believes Messi’s performance at the 2026 World Cup is a strong case for him to win the award.

Simeone was speaking ahead of Atlético Madrid’s upcoming La Liga game against Osasuna when asked about the Ballon d’Or race. After that, the discussion intensified Lamine Yamal backed himself and Kylian Mbappe as the two best players in the world, but Simeone had another choice.

“Messi, without a doubt,” Simeone told reporters. “After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt. Messi.”

Simeone’s argument centers on Messi’s contribution to Argentina’s progress to the 2026 World Cup finals. Argentina eventually finished as runners-up after losing to Spain, but Messi remained a key figure in Lionel Scaloni’s side throughout the tournament.

MESSI’S FINAL CHAPTER ARGENTINA

The World Cup was expected to mark the end of Messi’s international career. The 39-year-old announced his retirement from Argentina duty on August 31, saying he felt it was time for the new generation to be given an opportunity.

However, Messi will have one more appearance for Argentina. He has been included in the squad for the three upcoming friendlies, but the AFA has confirmed that his farewell appearance will come against Benin on 6 October at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Argentina will first face Bolivia in Córdoba on September 30 and Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3. Messi is only scheduled to appear in the game on October 6, which will serve as his official farewell.

YAMAL, MBAPPE, DEMBELE AND MORE IN THE MIX

Simeone’s support comes in a Ballon d’Or race with several prominent contenders. Yamal spoke out after Spain’s World Cup triumph, while Mbappe remains part of the conversation after another prolific campaign with Real Madrid.

Ousmane Dembele is aiming to retain the award after winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are also among the prominent names in contention. Messi, meanwhile, is aiming for a ninth Ballon d’Or after winning his eighth in 2023.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London, when the winner will be announced.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

16 Sep 2026 11:55 IST