Zidane backs Messi for 2026 Ballon d’Or, says he'd vote 100 times
France legend Zinedine Zidane said he would vote for Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi 100 times to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, according to Marca. Messi, aged 39, was named in the 30‑man shortlist released by France Football on Tuesday after leading Miami to the MLS title with 45 goals and 30 assists and guiding Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, where they lost to Spain. Zidane added that many fail to grasp how remarkable it is to remain among the world’s best players at that age.
The endorsement highlights Messi’s sustained elite performance despite being in the latter stage of his career, reinforcing his claim to football’s top individual honour. It also signals that the 2026 Ballon d’Or race will weigh not only recent club success but also international impact, with Messi’s World Cup run adding weight to his candidacy amid a strong shortlist.
With the award ceremony still months away, will voters prioritize Messi’s longevity and dual‑season achievements, or will they favour younger stars who dominated club competitions? The answer may reshape how age is viewed in football’s highest accolades.