Ballon d’Or 2026: Diego Simeone has no doubt about his favourite

With the verdict only weeks away, Diego Simeone has clearly named the player he believes should win the Ballon d’Or

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Ballon d’Or 2026: Diego Simeone has no doubt about his favourite

Several stars remain in contention for the award, but Diego Simeone believes one candidate clearly stands above the rest.

The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or remains wide open. Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane and several PSG players are among the strongest contenders. For Diego Simeone, however, there appears to be very little debate.

Asked about his choice in a press conference, the Atlético Madrid coach immediately named Lionel Messi: “Messi, without a doubt. After the World Cup he had and at his age? Messi, without a doubt.” It was a powerful endorsement of the Argentine, who continues to perform at the highest level at 39.

🌕🇦🇷 Diego Simeone: “The 2026 Ballon d’Or has to be Leo Messi. Zero doubts”.

“With the World Cup he had at that age… NO DOUBTS”. pic.twitter.com/3yCyhUR3k2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 15, 2026

Another outstanding season with Inter Miami

Messi’s 2026 numbers help explain Simeone’s position. For Inter Miami, the former Barcelona star has made 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists. In MLS alone, he has 19 goals and 11 assists from 22 matches.

Despite a demanding calendar and several competitions, Messi continues to produce elite attacking numbers while remaining Miami’s main creative and technical leader.

Eight goals and four assists at the World Cup

His 2026 World Cup campaign strengthens his case even further. Messi led Argentina all the way to the final before their defeat to Spain. Across eight matches, he scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists, giving him 12 direct goal contributions.

Just a few weeks after the tournament, on August 31, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner announced his retirement from international football. He closed his Argentina career with 125 goals in 207 appearances.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed on October 26. Competition remains fierce, but Simeone has already made his position clear: in his eyes, Messi deserves a record-extending ninth award.