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Simeone Picks Messi for 2026 Ballon d’Or Award
Diego Simeone is the manager of Atlético Madrid.
He was asked who should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Simeone chose Lionel Messi.
He said Messi’s World Cup performance made him the clear choice.
The article says Messi scored eight goals and made four assists in that tournament.
Other players mentioned as possible choices include Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal.
Messi is also expected to play one more international match for Argentina.
That match is scheduled against Benin on October 6 at Estadio Mâs Monumental.
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone selected Lionel Messi as his pick for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Simeone said Messi was his choice “without a doubt” after the World Cup performance described in the report.
The article says Messi scored eight goals and four assists at the World Cup and reached the final with Argentina.
Simeone’s choice excludes prominent names such as Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal.
Messi is expected to make his final international appearance for Argentina against Benin on October 6 at Estadio Mâs Monumental.
- Who
- Diego Simeone chose Lionel Messi for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, while Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal were also mentioned.
- What
- Simeone backed Messi to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
- Where
- The comments were made ahead of Atlético Madrid’s match against Osasuna; Messi’s farewell match is scheduled at Estadio Mâs Monumental.
- When
- Simeone made the comments before Atlético Madrid’s La Liga match against Osasuna; Messi’s reported final international appearance is scheduled for October 6.
- Why
- Simeone cited Messi’s World Cup performance and his age as reasons for choosing him.
Key facts
- Ballon d’Or year
- 2026
- Simeone’s choice
- Lionel Messi
- World Cup statistics cited
- Eight goals and four assists
- Messi’s reported international finale
- Argentina vs. Benin
- Scheduled date
- October 6
- Scheduled venue
- Estadio Mâs Monumental
- Previous Ballon d’Or wins
- The article describes Messi as an eight-time winner, last receiving the award in 2023.
Quotes
Diego Simeone
Atlético Madrid manager
“Messi, without a doubt. After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all. Messi”
firstpost.com
Sources
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