Simeone names Messi Ballon d'Or winner « without a doubt » after World Cup

Diego Simeone has settled the debate in his own way: for the Atlético Madrid manager, the next Ballon d’Or belongs to Lionel Messi, « without a doubt ». Questioned Tuesday in a press conference about his favorites for the supreme individual award, « El Cholo » did not hesitate, citing the World Cup his compatriot just played in and his age as decisive arguments.

Simeone’s position contrasts with the names that have dominated discussions for several weeks. Kylian Mbappé, convinced he deserves the trophy given his season, Lamine Yamal — for whom the world title takes precedence over everything —, Rodri and defending champion Ousmane Dembélé have so far monopolized most of the debate. Simeone chose to put Messi back at the center.

The figures partly support him. The Argentine striker scored eight goals in total during the tournament, taking the Albiceleste to the final before falling to Spain. While his finishing faded from the quarter-finals onward, his collective influence remained intact: in the semi-final against England, he provided two assists for Enzo Fernandez and then Lautaro Martinez.

A ninth crown would constitute an unprecedented milestone in football history. Messi has already won the trophy in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023. The verdict of voters will be known on October 26.