2026 Ballon d’Or: Diego Simeone picks surprise player to win award

Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, has said Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi deserves to triumph the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

According to Simeone, Messi’s outing astatine this year’s World Cup is capable to manus him the award.

“The 2026 Ballon d’Or has to beryllium Leo Messi. Zero doubts,” Simeone said.

“With the World Cup helium had astatine that age… nary doubts.”

Messi failed to triumph consecutive World Cups with Argentina this summer, arsenic they mislaid 1-0 to Spain successful the final.

But helium scored 8 goals and provided 2 assistance successful full astatine the tournament.

The 39-year-old has already won the Ballon d’Or a grounds 8 times during his illustrious career. But helium is not wide regarded arsenic a apical contender for the prize this year, with players similar Kylian Mbappe, Rodri, Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane considered up of him.

2026 Ballon d’Or: Diego Simeone picks astonishment subordinate to triumph award