Diego Simeone Backs Lionel Messi for 2026 Ballon d’Or Over Yamal and Mbappe
Diego Simeone Supports Lionel Messi for 2026 Ballon d’Or
Atletico Madrid's coach Diego Simeone has thrown his weight behind Lionel Messi as the frontrunner for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, ignoring rising star Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe. Despite Messi being 39 years old, Simeone believes the Argentine legend’s recent World Cup heroics make him the top candidate.
Simeone Dismisses Rival Claims
Before Atletico's upcoming match against Osasuna, Simeone was asked about the favorite for football’s highest individual prize. He quickly set aside other contenders, including Yamal and Mbappe, who have recently been discussed as the best players globally. Simeone feels Messi’s performance on the world stage outshines anyone else.
"Messi, without a doubt," Simeone stated confidently. "After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all. Messi."
The Argentine coach emphasized Messi’s role in leading Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final before losing to Spain. For Simeone, maintaining such a high level of play at 39 surpasses the claims of competitors like Yamal, Mbappe, Rodri, Harry Kane, or Ousmane Dembele.
Other Contenders Voice Their Cases
Shortly after Simeone’s remarks, Lamine Yamal made his own case for winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The young Barcelona winger argued that his achievements this year—including winning La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the World Cup with Spain—place him ahead of Mbappe. Meanwhile, reigning champion Ousmane Dembele expressed determination to keep the trophy, saying, "It is going to stay in the hands of a PSG player. I’m a competitor, so it’s my goal to win it again."
This nomination marks Messi’s 17th time on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, just one shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record 18 nominations. Messi last won the award in 2023, marking his eighth victory.
Upcoming Ceremony Moves to London
The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on October 26, 2026, in London. This marks the first time the event moves away from Paris. The decision honors Sir Stanley Matthews, the first-ever winner of the award back in 1956.
