Diego Simeone Backs Lionel Messi for 2026 Ballon d'Or Over Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe

Diego Simeone has voiced his confidence that Lionel Messi will claim the 2026 Ballon d'Or, putting aside competition from rising star Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe. The Atletico Madrid manager highlighted Messi's extraordinary performances at the World Cup as a key reason for his support.

Simeone Dismisses Yamal and Mbappe's Chances

Before Atletico's upcoming match against Osasuna, Simeone was asked about the frontrunners for football’s top individual prize. The Argentine coach quickly rejected the claims made by others, focusing firmly on Messi’s achievements despite his age of 39.

"Messi, without a doubt," Simeone told reporters. "After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all. Messi."

Simeone's endorsement largely comes from Messi guiding Argentina to the final of the 2026 World Cup, where they were narrowly beaten by Spain. For Simeone, sustaining world-class form at such an advanced age outshines the bids from Yamal, Mbappe, Rodri, Harry Kane, and Ousmane Dembele.

Other Players Make Their Case for the Award

Yamal recently asserted that he and Mbappe are currently the best players globally, pointing to his successes in La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the World Cup with Spain. However, Simeone dismissed this perspective entirely.

Meanwhile, reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele expressed his determination to keep the trophy, stating: "It is going to stay in the hands of a PSG player. I’m a competitor, so it’s my goal to win it again."

This year marks Messi’s 17th appearance on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, bringing him just one nomination shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record 18. Messi last won the award in 2023, securing it for the eighth time.

Upcoming Ceremony in London

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be the 70th edition of the award, set for October 26 in London. This event will take place outside Paris for the first time ever. The move honors Sir Stanley Matthews, the winner of the very first Ballon d’Or back in 1956.

• Event: 70th Ballon d’Or Ceremony
• Date: October 26, 2026
• Location: London
• Reason for Location Change: Tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews