Simeone Backs Messi for 2026 Ballon d'Or Over Yamal, Mbappe

Diego Simeone, the manager of Atletico Madrid, has publicly endorsed Lionel Messi for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, stating that he stands out among contenders Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. This endorsement was made during a press conference prior to Atletico's match against Osasuna.

Simeone emphasized Messi's exceptional performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina reached the final but lost to Spain, as a significant reason for his support. At 39 years old, Messi's achievements, including playing 49 matches, scoring 45 goals, and providing 30 assists, were highlighted as evidence of his greatness.

Simeone's backing is notable given the competitive nature of the award, with Yamal having a standout tournament for Spain and Mbappe continuing to lead Real Madrid's attack. The endorsement reflects Simeone's belief in the importance of longevity and impactful performances on the biggest stages in determining greatness.