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Diego Simeone has picked Lionel Messi<\/a> as his Ballon d’Or choice, insisting there is no doubt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n According to SuperDepor.com, the Atl\u00e9tico de Madrid<\/a> head coach offered his view in his pre-match press conference before Osasuna on the sixth round of LaLiga 2026\/27. The winner will be announced on 26 October at The London Palladium in London, England, in an event organised by France Football and UEFA.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The question followed recent comments from Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal<\/a>, who said he and Kylian Mbapp\u00e9<\/a> are the two best in the world and that he believes he deserves the award this year for what he has won.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Simeone said his pick is rooted in Messi’s World Cup exploits and the stage of his career. He has stepped away from Argentina after another World Cup final, yet was called up for the international window from 21 September to 6 October.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Mbapp\u00e9, responding to the debate, maintained he always considers himself the best in the world and feels this is a good year for him to win the Ballon d’Or.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The 30-strong shortlist also features Lautaro Mart\u00ednez, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbapp\u00e9, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Demb\u00e9l\u00e9 and Rodri.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n