Omotayo Fashola
(Lionel Messi celebrates with David Beckham. Photo credit: CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP)
Lionel Messi has etched his name in Inter Miami’s history, netting his 100th goal for the club, as David Beckham voices his belief that the Argentine superstar should secure the 2026 Ballon d’Or for his extraordinary performances at 39.
The football icon delivered another masterclass in Miami’s 2-0 triumph over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup, helping the team lift their maiden trophy in the tournament.
Ever the maestro, Messi broke the deadlock with a precision header in the 24th minute before orchestrating Casemiro’s decisive second goal from a perfectly placed corner.
Beckham, in awe of Messi’s enduring brilliance, emphasized that very few athletes continue to dominate the sport at such an advanced age, making a compelling case for his Ballon d’Or candidacy.
He argued that Messi’s sustained excellence sets him apart from other top contenders like Mbappé, Kane, and Bellingham.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains in contention for this year’s honor, adding to his legendary résumé after an unforgettable World Cup campaign.
Despite Argentina falling short in the final against Spain, Messi dominated the tournament with eight goals and a record-breaking 12 assists—10 of which came in high-stakes knockout matches.
Currently second in the all-time World Cup scoring charts just behind Mbappé, Messi’s legacy continues to grow.
All eyes now turn to London’s Ballon d’Or awards on October 26, where Messi could once again make history.
