David Beckham Backs Lionel Messi to Win 2026 Ballon d’Or at 39

Inter Miami co-owner and former England captain David Beckham believes Lionel Messi deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, despite the Argentina superstar now being 39 years old.

Messi, a record eight-time winner of the prestigious individual award, is among the 30 players shortlisted for this year’s prize after another remarkable campaign for both club and country.

Beckham made his case for Messi after the Argentine reached another career milestone on Wednesday, scoring his 100th goal for Inter Miami during their 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup.

“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, and doing it at that level,” Beckham said.

“He deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, he should win it.”

Messi was instrumental in Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final, scoring eight goals and providing four assists before Spain defeated the defending champions in the final.

The veteran forward also extended his record of World Cup assists to 12, with 10 coming during knockout-stage matches. No other player has recorded more than eight World Cup assists.

Messi has also scored 21 goals at the World Cup, leaving him second on the all-time scoring chart behind France captain Kylian Mbappe, who has 22.

His latest landmark came at Inter Miami’s Nu Stadium, where Messi opened the scoring against Cruz Azul in the 24th minute after heading in a cross from former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez.

He appeared to have scored again after racing through on goal, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Messi still played a decisive role in Miami’s second goal. His corner in the 81st minute was headed home by former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro to seal Inter Miami’s first Campeones Cup title.

The victory added another piece of silverware to Messi’s time in the United States and came amid continued questions over how long the Argentine intends to continue playing at the highest level.

Messi had previously indicated that he was considering his future in football following the death of his father, Jorge, while August also brought an announcement regarding his international future.

Casemiro praised Messi after the victory, saying the Argentine’s continued performances remain remarkable.

“We have to enjoy this because we don’t know how long we’ll have it,” Casemiro said.

“What he has done and continues to do for football is incredible. He remains the best. He proved it at the World Cup and continues to prove it in MLS.”

The 2026 Ballon d’Or race features several of the biggest names in world football, including Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.

Six Spain players who were part of the country’s World Cup-winning squad also made the shortlist, while Paris Saint-Germain have nine nominees, excluding new signing Ferran Torres.

The Ballon d’Or, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary, will be presented at a ceremony in London on October 26, 2026.