Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham believes Lionel Messi is a deserving candidate for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. Beckham’s support follows a remarkable stretch for the 39-year-old, whose contributions for club and country have remained at a world-class level. Messi, who secured his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023 following Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win in Qatar, is currently among the 30 contenders selected by France Football for this year’s honor.
The Argentine star’s 2025 campaign with Inter Miami was highly productive, yielding 43 goals and 26 assists across 49 matches while securing the MLS Cup play-offs. He continued this form during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Despite Argentina falling 1-0 to Spain in extra time during the final, Messi recorded eight goals and four assists in eight tournament appearances.
On the club front, Messi recently achieved a major milestone by scoring his 100th goal for Inter Miami during a 2-0 victory against Cruz Azul at Nu Stadium on Wednesday, September 16. The goal, netted in the 24th minute, helped the Herons secure the Campeones Cup. Midfielder Casemiro sealed the win late in the match. The team currently holds second place in the MLS Eastern Conference, trailing Nashville by nine points after 25 games under new manager Cristian Gonzalez.
Messi’s career goal tally now stands at 929 for club and country. Following his announcement of international retirement, he is scheduled to make his final appearance for the national team on October 6, facing Benin in a friendly match in Buenos Aires. The report also notes that where the Albiceleste beat holders France on penalties after a 3-3 draw after ex, messi won a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or award in 2023 after playing a key role in Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar. The report also notes that the landmark strike came in the 24th minute.
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