Messi Favored for Ballon d'Or: His Inter Miami Teammates Plead for a Ninth Award

Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal in an Inter Miami shirt during the Campeones Cup victory over Cruz Azul (2-0), also providing an assist on the second goal. A performance that has reignited the debate around the Ballon d’Or with just weeks to go before the ceremony.

Rodrigo De Paul, Argentine midfielder and long-time teammate of Messi in the national team, left no room for doubt. “For me, there is no doubt, especially in a World Cup year. No one will ever accomplish what he did at this World Cup at 39 years old. He has pushed every limit, regardless of age.” De Paul emphasized the eight goals scored by his captain during the tournament — Messi having also finished as the best player of the competition according to him, although that title officially went to Spaniard Rodri. “He faced extraordinary players and was the best player of the World Cup. So for me, the question doesn’t even arise. But well, it’s not me who votes.”

Casemiro, who was also decisive in this final, supported the Argentine’s candidacy with a caution tinged with admiration. “I wish him a lot of luck and I hope people will also see what he accomplished during the World Cup. It’s a very important factor.”

David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, went further by declaring himself Messi’s “biggest supporter.” Facing competition from Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham, the former England international highlighted his star player’s consistency: “When you see him deliver such performances tonight, when you see the World Cup he delivered, it’s no accident that he’s being cited again for the Ballon d’Or. To be honest, we all want to see Leo play forever.”

At 39 years old, Messi has never officially campaigned for the supreme individual award. Those close to him are doing it on his behalf, and the arguments are plentiful.