Lionel Messi for the Ballon d’Or? Diego Simeone snubs Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe as he backs Argentine icon for 2026 award
When pressed on who deserves football’s ultimate individual honour, Simeone did not hesitate to pick his compatriot. His backing comes despite Messi now playing at 39 years of age.
“Messi, without a doubt,” Simeone told reporters. “After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all. Messi.”
The key factor behind Simeone’s endorsement was Messi leading Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final before falling to Spain. For the Atletico boss, maintaining elite-level output at 39 outweighs claims built by Yamal, Mbappe, Rodri, Harry Kane, or Ousmane Dembele.
