David Robert Joseph Beckham, Inter Miami co-owner and former England captain, has publicly backed Lionel Andrés Messi’s case for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, following the Argentine forward’s latest milestone performance for the Major League Soccer club.
Lionel Messi Ballon d’Or claim gained renewed attention after Messi reached his 100th goal for Inter Miami during a 2-0 Campeones Cup victory over Cruz Azul, where he also provided the corner that led to the second goal of the night.
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Beckham, speaking after the match in Florida, praised Messi’s consistency at 39 and pointed to his performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as evidence of his continued elite-level output.
“When you see him do things like this, when you see him have the World Cup that he’s had, there is no one at 39 that’s doing that at that level,” Beckham said. “He deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, he should win it.”
The remarks come at a time when Messi, now 39, has been shortlisted among 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, extending his record-breaking presence in the global football conversation after previously winning the award eight times.
Messi’s latest achievement also follows a high-profile Campeones Cup performance in which he scored a rare header and dictated play throughout the contest, underlining his sustained influence despite advancing age.
Inter Miami’s victory marked their first Campeones Cup triumph, adding to a growing list of honours since Messi’s arrival in the United States and reinforcing his transformative impact on the club’s competitive standing.
Beckham’s endorsement adds further weight to an already intense debate surrounding the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with other leading nominees including Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, all of whom enjoyed strong seasons in Europe.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder also highlighted Messi’s ability to maintain peak performance levels in a physically demanding league, describing his output as “remarkable” for a player nearing 40.
Messi’s 2026 campaign has included standout moments at international level as well, with an impressive World Cup run that featured eight goals and four assists, helping Argentina reach the final before losing to Spain.
That tournament also elevated Messi’s World Cup legacy, taking his total assist tally in the competition to 12 and placing him second on the all-time goalscorers’ list with 21 goals.
Football analysts continue to debate whether Messi’s individual brilliance, longevity and global influence outweigh traditional criteria for the Ballon d’Or, particularly in comparison with younger elite performers across Europe.
However, Beckham’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within parts of the football community that Messi’s sustained excellence represents a rare and powerful case for continued recognition.
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Lionel Messi Ballon d’Or claim is expected to remain a central talking point ahead of the October 26 ceremony in London, where football’s most prestigious individual honour will be decided.
