Beckham Backs Messi for Ballon d'Or After 100th Miami Goal

David Beckham has thrown his weight behind Lionel Messi for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, insisting the Argentine's latest milestone and World Cup heroics make him the standout candidate. Messi struck his 100th goal for Inter Miami on Wednesday, a trademark header from Luis Suarez's cross, before turning provider for Casemiro in a 2-0 Campeones Cup win over Cruz Azul. Beckham, co-owner of the Florida club, did not mince words: 'When you see him do things like this, when you see him have the World Cup that he's had, there is no one at 39 that's doing that, and doing it at that level. He deserves to be considered for the Ballon d'Or. In my opinion, he should win it.'

Messi's World Cup campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. He netted eight goals and provided four assists as Argentina stormed to the final, where they fell to Spain. His 12 career World Cup assists are a record, with 10 coming in knockout rounds—no other player has more than eight. He also sits second on the all-time World Cup scoring list with 21 goals, one behind Kylian Mbappe. Despite retiring from international duty in August, Messi's club form has remained electric, and his 100th Miami goal was a fitting landmark.

The Ballon d'Or shortlist features stiff competition. Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice represent England, while Spain's World Cup-winning squad includes six nominees, among them final hero Ferran Torres. PSG boast nine nominees, including last year's winner Ousmane Dembele. Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr are also in contention. The award, celebrating its 70th anniversary, will be announced in London on 26 October.

Messi's achievement comes amid personal challenges, including the death of his father and his international retirement. Teammate Casemiro summed up the sentiment: 'We have to enjoy this because we don't know how long we'll have it. What he has done and continues to do for football is incredible. He remains the best. He proved it at the World Cup and continues to prove it in MLS.' As the football world debates the Ballon d'Or, Beckham's endorsement adds a powerful voice to Messi's case for a ninth crown.