Sir David Beckham insists Lionel Messi deserves the Ballon d'Or

News

FT Desk

Sir David Beckham believes Lionel Messi deserves to win his ninth Ballon d'Or in 2026.

The Argentine has already been named the best player in the world on eight occasions in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.

His last triumph in 2023 came after he led Argentina to glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In 2026, he helped the Albiceleste reach the final again but they lost 1-0 to Spain thanks to an extra-time goal from Ferran Torres.

Not long after the tournament concluded, and following the death of his father, Messi announced his retirement from international football.

He had an extremely productive 2025 season with Inter Miami and posted ludicrous numbers. During the MLS regular campaign, he made 28 appearances, scoring 29 goals and providing 19 assists. This gave him 48 goal contributions, averaging more than one goal contribution per game.

His performances also earned him the MLS Golden Boot after finishing as the league’s leading goalscorer, while he was named MLS Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive season.

The Argentine was particularly impressive towards the end of the regular season. Across Inter Miami’s final eight regular-season matches, he scored 10 goals and recorded nine assists. He continued to contribute in the playoffs, scoring six goals and providing seven assists.

Across all competitions in 2025, Messi finished with 43 goals in 48 appearances.

He continued that form into the 2026 MLS season which started before the World Cup and recommenced after it finished.

In 2026 he has scored 23 goals and recorded 14 assists in 27 matches so far.

It is those mind-boggling numbers, as well as his outstanding performances in the World Cup, which have led many to believe he is a shoo-in for the Ballon d'Or. During the summer tournament, he scored eight goals and registered four assists and temporarily became the highest scorer in World Cup history before being usurped by Kylian Mbappe.

Beckham thinks Messi deserves his ninth Ballon d'Or.

"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," said Beckham, as quoted by BBC Sport.

"He deserves to be considered for the Ballon d'Or. In my opinion, he should win it."

Other front runners to win the Ballon d'Or are all players who have never won it before - Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.