David Beckham Reveals Strong Reasons Why Lionel Messi Deserves to Win the 2026 Ballon d'Or

David Beckham has publicly voiced his full support for Lionel Messi in the 2026 Ballon d'Or race. As president and co-owner of Inter Miami, Beckham stated that Messi's performances over the past 12 months provide compelling grounds to name the Argentine megastar as the leading candidate for football's most prestigious individual honour.

This endorsement was delivered shortly after Messi once again commanded the spotlight during Inter Miami's 2026 Campeones Cup Final match against Cruz Azul, held at Nu Stadium in Florida on Wednesday 16 September 2026 local time.

Inter Miami claimed a 2-0 victory. Messi broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, before setting up Casemiro for the 81st minute goal. This strike marked Messi's 100th goal for Inter Miami since he joined the club in 2023.

Beckham clarified that his support for Messi is not solely based on the forward's club form for Inter Miami.

"When you watch what he produced tonight, combined with his World Cup performances, it is absolutely no coincidence that he is once again in the running for the Ballon d'Or," Beckham was quoted on the official MLS website.

Beckham emphasised how remarkably Messi has sustained his elite standard of play at 39 years old. He noted Messi's World Cup campaign as a critical factor proving why the Argentina captain deserves serious consideration for the award.

"This is something extraordinary. There is no other 39 year old player on the planet that can perform at this level and deliver these standards consistently," he stated.

For Beckham, this consistent run of form only strengthens his conviction behind Messi.

"So he absolutely belongs in this Ballon d'Or conversation. As far as I'm concerned, he should win it," he concluded.

The 2026 Ballon d'Or contest does not only feature Messi. Beckham acknowledged other top contenders including Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.

"There are outstanding players right now: Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and many others. But when we are talking about Leo? I am his biggest supporter," he added.

Messi has already won 8 Ballon d'Or titles across his career. His 2026 nomination opens the opportunity to extend this historic record.

Beyond his individual club statistics, Messi holds unmatched international pedigree. He captained Argentina to another World Cup Final, making history as the first player ever to start in three separate men's World Cup finals.

During the most recent World Cup tournament, Messi remained prolific with 8 goals and 4 assists. These achievements form one of the core foundations of Beckham's argument for Messi's 2026 Ballon d'Or credentials.

At club level, Messi has shown no signs of slowing down. So far this season he has registered 23 goals and 14 assists across all competitions.

The victory over Cruz Azul delivered another landmark moment in Messi's Inter Miami tenure.

Along with securing Inter Miami's first ever Campeones Cup trophy, this match also saw Messi hit the 100 goal milestone for the club.

Beckham admitted that having Messi at the club still feels unreal. He noted he still cherishes every chance to watch Messi train and compete live on matchdays.

"I still can hardly believe he is here in Miami, playing for our team," the former Manchester United star remarked.

Beckham's public endorsement adds further narrative to the closely watched 2026 Ballon d'Or race. Against a field of elite European challengers, Messi once again presents a combined case of unrivalled experience, consistent productivity, international success and elite club form as he bids for another historic award.