Lionel Messi has scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami, and David Beckham thinks that is exactly why he should win the Ballon d’Or.
Messi reached the milestone in a 2-0 win over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup. His strike in the 24th minute came from a Luis Suárez cross, and Casemiro added the second in the 81st minute, heading in a corner from Messi.
Beckham, who owns the team, was quick to mark the occasion. “I still can’t believe we have him in Miami playing for our team,” he said. “That’s why I go to training every day and watch him and turn up to watch him every time possible, we want to see Leo play football forever.”
The goal also came during a World Cup campaign that saw Argentina reach the final before losing to Spain. Messi scored eight times and provided four assists, becoming the all-time top scorer in the tournament’s history.
World Cup Numbers
Messi’s numbers at the World Cup were impressive. Eight goals and four assists put him at the top of the scoring charts.
Beckham described him as “probably the best player in the tournament,” adding that “he was probably the best player in the tournament; he had an incredible year last year…”
The owner’s assessment of Messi’s age is blunt. “At 39 years old, to affect the World Cup in every game the way he did, that’s special. There’s no one at 39 who is doing this at that level.”
Ballon d’Or Race
Beckham made his position clear. “He deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, he should win it.” He listed the competition: “You have great players in there, like Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, and other players, but when talking about Leo, I’m his biggest supporter.”
The Ballon d’Or is awarded to the top individual performer in world football each year.
Messi’s candidacy rests on his longevity. At 39, he remains a central figure in international football, and Beckham’s argument is that few players his age produce at this level.
Miami Milestones
Messi’s 100th goal for Inter Miami came in his 115th appearance across all competitions. The goal against Cruz Azul was a personal landmark, but it also helped secure a trophy for a club that has grown accustomed to winning since his arrival.
Miami won the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and MLS Cup in 2025. The Campeones Cup adds to that collection, giving the club another trophy three years after Messi joined.
Match Details
The night belonged to Messi and Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder scored in the 81st minute, heading in a corner from Messi to seal the victory.
Casemiro’s form has been notable recently. He has scored four goals, all headers, in his last five matches. Those strikes came in three consecutive games against CF Montreal, Atlanta United and Chicago before he was held scoreless Saturday against Nashville.
The win sets up a busy stretch for Inter Miami. They return to MLS play Sunday when they host San Diego FC at Nu Stadium. Miami enters the match second in the Eastern Conference standings.
Case for Messi
Beckham’s position as co-owner adds weight. He watches Messi train daily and attends matches whenever possible. That familiarity informs his view.
The key point is consistency. Messi has been elite for years, and Beckham sees no sign of decline. “There’s no one at 39 who is doing this at that level,” he said.
The Ballon d’Or vote closes soon, and the winner will be announced later this year.
But Beckham’s view is simple: Messi should win. He has backed his own club’s star throughout, and he has no hesitation in putting him ahead of the rest.
The 100th goal was a reminder of what Messi brings to Miami. The trophies keep coming, and so do the headlines.
Messi’s 100th goal for Inter Miami was a milestone, and Beckham treated it as proof of why Messi deserves the Ballon d’Or. The owner’s loyalty to Messi, both as co-owner and friend, comes through in his repeated praise of Messi’s age-defying play and his insistence that Messi deserves the award despite stiff competition.
| Trophy | Year Won |
|---|---|
| Leagues Cup | 2023 |
| Supporters’ Shield | 2024 |
| MLS Cup | 2025 |
| Campeones Cup | Now |
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