David Beckham has publicly supported Lionel Messi for a ninth Ballon d’Or following the Argentine forward's 100th goal for Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi continues to redefine the limits of professional football, reaching a remarkable milestone this feat during a decisive 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup, a match that pitted the reigning Major League Soccer champions against the top side from Mexico’s Liga MX. The goal, a rare and precise diving header from a Luis Suarez cross, underscored Messi's enduring versatility and ability to impact high-stakes matches even as he nears his fourth decade.
This triumph marks a significant moment for the club, securing their first-ever Campeones Cup title. The victory serves as a morale boost for the team, particularly following the disappointment of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi’s Argentina narrowly fell to Spain. Despite the international heartbreak, Messi’s performance in the United States remains at an elite level, consistently proving that his influence on the pitch has not waned with age.
Following the final whistle, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham was quick to highlight the significance of Messi’s contributions. Beckham, who experienced a storied career at Manchester United and Real Madrid, expressed his firm belief that Messi remains the premier candidate for the Ballon d’Or. According to the club executive, the fact that a 39-year-old athlete can perform at such an elevated standard is unprecedented in modern football, making him the obvious choice for the game's most prestigious individual award.
Teammate Casemiro, who recently transitioned to Inter Miami after a distinguished career at Manchester United, echoed these sentiments. The Brazilian midfielder emphasized the importance of appreciating the final chapters of Messi’s career while they are still unfolding. Casemiro noted that Messi continues to prove his status as the best in the world, referencing both his recent international efforts and his consistent dominance within the MLS structure. The sentiment among the squad is one of profound respect for a player who remains the focal point of their tactical success.
The match also marked a successful debut for Inter Miami’s new head coach, Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez. Despite facing significant logistical hurdles, including visa delays that limited his time on the training pitch prior to the match, Gonzalez managed to guide the team to a clean sheet and a championship victory. His tactical setup allowed for fluid transitions, with Messi and Suarez linking up effectively to break down a resilient Cruz Azul defense that had challenged Miami throughout the first half.
The victory provides a sense of momentum for Inter Miami as they look to build on their status as MLS Cup holders. For Cruz Azul, the loss represents another missed opportunity to secure the Campeones Cup, a trophy that has remained elusive for the Mexican club. The game was characterized finishing, bolstered ide.
With an unprecedented eight Ballon d’Or titles already to his name, Messi’s potential ninth award would further distance him from his closest historical rivals, including Cristiano Ronaldo and legends like Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten. His ability to maintain this level of excellence while navigating the physical demands of the North American league has cemented his legacy as one of the most durable and talented athletes in the history of the sport.
While speculation regarding his retirement has circulated, Messi remains active on the international stage, with an upcoming friendly scheduled against Benin. This commitment ensures that fans will continue to see the forward in action as he balances his club responsibilities with his national team duties. As the football world looks toward the next Ballon d’Or ceremony, the consensus among his peers and management is clear: Messi’s performance in the 2026 season has set a benchmark that few others can hope to emulate.
