David Beckham backs Lionel Messi to claim ninth Ballon d’Or By Thiago Lemos
3 min read
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Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham declared on 17 September 2026 that Lionel Messi should secure his ninth Ballon d’Or following an exceptional World Cup performance. The former England captain endorsed his current forward over domestic competitors for the individual honour.
Harry Kane stands among the leading contenders after producing 73 goals in 61 appearances for Bayern Munich and England during the past campaign.
Beckham bypassed his fellow countryman in his assessment of the award race. He identified the international displays of Messi for Argentina during the summer as the decisive consideration.
The 39-year-old captain netted eight goals during that national team run before securing the MLS Cup last year and lifting the Campeones Cup with Inter Miami on 16 September 2026.
“I think that when you see him do things like he did tonight and you see the World Cup that he had, it is no coincidence that he is being considered again,” Beckham told Apple TV. Beckham, who earned 115 caps representing England throughout his international career, told Apple TV that Messi deserved the accolade because he performed as the outstanding player across the entire competition while maintaining exceptional standards throughout the previous campaign. He added: “He had an amazing year last season.”
“He went to the World Cup and, at 39 years of age, he changed matches,” Beckham said. “Nobody else performs at that level at that age. He deserves to win the award. That is my view.”
“There are great players in the running like Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and others, but when you discuss Leo, I am his biggest fan,” Beckham stated.
Inter Miami midfielder Casemiro backed the position taken by Beckham regarding their club colleague. The Brazilian player highlighted the sustained impact of the forward.
“He remains the best,” Casemiro said to Apple TV, noting that the forward demonstrated his quality at the World Cup and continues doing so in MLS.
Casemiro addressed the possibility of Messi lifting the individual trophy again. He clarified his role regarding the selection procedure.
“We know that it is possible with him, and he proved that at the World Cup, but it is not my place to say,” Casemiro said.
“When you share a team with someone, you always want him to win,” Casemiro said. “The outcome depends on the voters, and I simply wish him good luck.”
“I want people to recognize what he achieved at the World Cup because that matters a great deal,” Casemiro added.
Messi reached 100 goals for Inter Miami in a 2-0 victory against Cruz Azul on 16 September 2026. The milestone arrived three seasons after his initial arrival at the American club in 2023.
Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final in July, with midfielder Rodri securing the player of the tournament award following that championship game.
Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia feature alongside other candidates in the running for the Ballon d’Or. Organizers will host the presentation ceremony in London on 26 October 2026.
Messi previously received the Ballon d’Or in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2023.
