Lionel Messi is among the top contenders for this year's Ballon d'Or, alongside Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappe. His most recent win came in 2023, and supporters within football's inner circle believe another could well be on the way. The 39-year-old is preparing for a farewell to international football, with his final appearance for Argentina scheduled for 6 October at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Two of Lionel Messi's closest international teammates have come out strongly in support of the Argentine captain winning a record ninth Ballon d'Or this year. Atletico Madrid defender Cristian Romero and Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister shared their views on who should win the golden trophy. Romero was direct when asked about the Ballon d'Or after Atleti's 2-1 victory over Real Madrid on Sunday.
Romero left little room for debate when speaking to ESPN, stating that the Ballon d'Or should go to Leo Messi until he retires. The Atletico centre-back has been a key figure in Argentina's recent international success, playing alongside Messi during the peak of the team's dominance, including their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.
Mac Allister also shared a similar view, citing Messi's outstanding contribution at the 2022 World Cup as the central argument for his candidacy. He delivered an exceptional World Cup, and Mac Allister sees no reason why he should not be given the award. Mac Allister also touched on a shift in how the award is decided, noting that statistics now carry far greater weight in the voting process.
The Ballon d'Or ceremony is set to take place at the London Palladium on 26 October, where the football world will find out whether Messi adds yet another chapter to his remarkable legacy. Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, cementing his status as the most decorated player in the sport's history. Since then, he has continued performing at the highest level.
Other contenders for the Ballon d'Or include Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal. The 70th edition of the ceremony will take place at London's Palladium, with many football personalities expected to attend. Messi's decision to retire from international duty has drawn the curtain on one of football's most storied careers.
The occasion of Messi's final appearance for Argentina is expected to draw an emotional send-off from the home crowd. Romero and Mac Allister's support for Messi is a testament to his enduring impact on the sport. The Ballon d'Or is one of the most prestigious awards in football, and Messi's potential ninth win would further solidify his legacy.
Key points
- Messi's teammates, Cristian Romero and Alexis Mac Allister, express support for him to win a record ninth Ballon d'Or.
- Messi's exceptional World Cup performance is cited as a key reason for his candidacy.
- The Ballon d'Or ceremony is set to take place at the London Palladium on 26 October.
