Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Simeone Backs Messi Over Mbappé for 2026 Ballon d’Or
Diego Simeone manages Atlético Madrid.
He was asked who should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Simeone chose Lionel Messi without hesitation.
He praised Messi’s performance at the World Cup.
The articles say Messi scored eight goals and made four assists.
Argentina reached the final but lost to Spain.
Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, and Harry Kane were mentioned as other important players.
Messi is expected to play his final international match against Benin on October 6.
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone selected Lionel Messi for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Simeone said Messi was his choice “without a doubt” after the reported World Cup performance.
The articles say Messi scored eight goals and supplied four assists as Argentina reached the final.
Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, and Harry Kane were identified as alternative contenders or prominent names.
Messi is scheduled to make his reported international farewell against Benin on October 6 in Buenos Aires.
- Who
- Diego Simeone backed Lionel Messi, while Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, and Harry Kane were mentioned as other contenders.
- What
- Simeone said Messi should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
- When
- Simeone made the comments before Atlético Madrid’s La Liga match against Osasuna; Messi’s reported farewell is scheduled for October 6.
- Where
- Simeone spoke ahead of Atlético Madrid’s match against Osasuna; Messi’s farewell is scheduled at Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires.
- Why
- Simeone cited Messi’s World Cup performance and his achievements at age 39.
Simeone’s Choice
Other Contenders
Preferred Ballon d’Or candidate
Simeone’s Choice
Simeone said Messi was the clear choice because of his reported World Cup performance and age.
Other Contenders
The articles identify Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal as prominent alternatives, while Harry Kane is also mentioned among the names Simeone passed over.
World Cup case
Simeone’s Choice
Messi’s supporters point to eight goals, four assists, and Argentina’s run to the final.
Other Contenders
Messi and Argentina finished as runners-up after losing the final to Spain, which leaves room for other players to argue for the award.
- Award year
- 2026 Ballon d’Or
- Simeone’s pick
- Lionel Messi
- Reported World Cup statistics
- Eight goals and four assists
- Argentina’s result
- Runners-up after losing the final to Spain
- Reported farewell match
- Argentina vs. Benin
- Scheduled date
- October 6
- Scheduled venue
- Estadio Mâs Monumental, Buenos Aires
- Previous Ballon d’Or record
- The articles describe Messi as an eight-time winner, last receiving the award in 2023.
