2026 Ballon d’Or: Diego Simeone picks surprise player to win award
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has endorsed Lionel Messi as the frontrunner for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, citing the Argentine’s performance in this year’s World Cup as a key factor in his recommendation.
“The 2026 Ballon d’Or has to be Leo Messi. Zero doubts,” Simeone stated. “With the World Cup he had at that age, there are no doubts.”
Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, finished as the tournament’s standout player despite Argentina’s second-place finish after a 1-0 loss to Spain in the final. He scored eight goals and recorded two assists during the competition, showcasing his enduring talent.
The 39-year-old Messi has already won the prestigious Ballon d’Or a record eight times. However, this year, he faces stiff competition from other top players, including Kylian Mbappe, Rodri, Lamine Yamal, and Harry Kane, who are also considered strong candidates for the award.
