Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has backed Lionel Messi to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying the Argentina captain’s performance at the World Cup makes him his clear choice for the award.
“Messi, without a doubt,” Simeone said at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday ahead of Atletico’s La Liga meeting with Osasuna. “After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all. Messi.”
Messi’s case comes after Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final, with Simeone placing particular emphasis on what the Inter Miami forward achieved at 39 years of age. Spain ultimately won the tournament, but Messi’s performances have kept him in the conversation for another Ballon d’Or.
Yamal and Mbappe make their own Ballon d’Or cases
Simeone’s endorsement comes as the Ballon d’Or race remains open, with Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe among the leading contenders.
Yamal recently said Mbappe was his only rival for the award while arguing that his own season gives him a strong claim. The Spain international helped his country win the World Cup and was also part of Barcelona’s successful La Liga title defence, where he was named the league’s best player for the 2025-26 season.
Mbappe has pointed instead to his individual production. The France forward finished as the World Cup’s leading scorer and also topped the scoring charts in both La Liga and the Champions League, despite Real Madrid and France failing to win major trophies during the campaign.
Messi, meanwhile, is seeking what would be a ninth Ballon d’Or after previously winning the award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.
Alvarez ruled out for Atletico
Simeone also confirmed that Julian Alvarez will miss Wednesday’s meeting with Osasuna as he continues his recovery from a muscular problem. The Argentina forward will sit out his second consecutive match.
The absence leaves Simeone with another selection issue as Atletico continue to adapt to a reshaped squad. Jonathan David is among the attacking options available to the coach after scoring on his La Liga debut against Real Sociedad.
Simeone also declined to become drawn into a wider debate over comments from Jose Mourinho concerning refereeing decisions during the opening weeks of the season, preferring to focus on Atletico’s preparations for Osasuna.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced in London on October 26, with Messi, Yamal, Mbappe and other leading contenders now making their cases for the game’s most prestigious individual prize.
