Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham says Lionel Messi “should win” the 2026 Ballon d'Or after the Argentina captain helped his side claim the Campeones Cup.
Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami in all competitions in Wednesday night’s 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul, heading in the opening goal.
The 39-year-old then played a decisive role in the second, delivering a precise corner for former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro to convert. The result gave Inter Miami their first Campeones Cup triumph.
Messi has won the Ballon d'Or eight times, in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.
However, he is not regarded as one of the leading contenders for the award this year, despite being included on the 30-man shortlist. Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, Rodri and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are currently among the favourites, while Messi is often ranked outside the top 10 players considered to have a realistic chance of winning.
Beckham believes Messi’s performances mean he should be viewed differently.
“When you see him do things like this, when you see him have the World Cup that he's had, there is no one at 39 that's doing that, and doing it at that level,” Beckham declared.
“He deserves to be considered for the Ballon d'Or. In my opinion, he should win it.”
Messi’s case is also supported by his achievements during the previous campaign. The World Cup winner helped Inter Miami win the 2025 MLS Cup, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists in 27 appearances.
He also won the MLS Golden Boot and was named MLS MVP for the second consecutive season.
The Campeones Cup success has now added another trophy to his record with Inter Miami, while his goal against Cruz Azul marked another milestone since joining the club.
The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place in London on Monday, 26th October. Messi is expected to attend the event, having become a regular presence at the annual awards ceremony.