Wednesday’s 2026 Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup win over Cruz Azul provided David Beckham with a chance to make his case for Lionel Messi’s ninth Ballon d’, and the Inter Miami CF owner did not hesitate. Beckham, who owns the club, knows what it takes to be the best player in the world, and he has no doubt who it is right now.
“I think when you see him do things like this tonight, when you see him have the World Cup that he’s had, it’s not luck that he’s being considered for the Ballon d’Or again,” Beckham said. “It’s not luck because he was probably the best player in the tournament. He had an incredible year last year.”
Beckham’s Case
Beckham pointed to Messi’s performance in the World Cup, where the 39-year-old affected every game at that level. He also noted the summer’s global showcase, where Messi put up 8g/4a.
“There’s no one at 39 that’s doing that and doing it at that level,” Beckham said. “So he deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or. He, in my opinion, he should win it.”
He also praised the competition around him. “You’ve got great players there like Harry Kane, like Kylian [Mbappé], like Jude Bellingham and other players there, but you know when you’re talking about Leo, I’m his biggest supporter.”
The Numbers Behind the Case
Beckham sees the evidence of why Messi’s Ballon d’Or count should rise to nine, and the Argentine star has already won the award a record eight times. Last week brought his 17th nomination, which adds to the case for him adding to his tally.
In the last twelve months, Messi helped Inter Miami reach their first MLS Cup presented by Audi title. That season he became the first person to win back-to-back Landon Donovan MLS MVP honors. He also led Argentina to a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final, making him the first player ever to start three World Cup finals.
This season in MLS, Messi is at the top of the league for both goals and goal contributions, with 19 goals and 13 assists, as he pursues a third straight MVP honor.
What Beckham Said About Watching Messi
“I still can’t believe we have him here in Miami playing for our team,” Beckham said. “That’s why I go to training every day and watch him, and that’s why I turn up and watch him every time possible because we all want to see Leo play forever, in all honesty.”
Mas and González Join In
Jorge Mas, the team’s managing owner, offered his backing for the effort. He said, “He’s a competitive beast. He’s a winner. He wants to win, win, win, win all the time,”.
“He obviously had a summer of ups and downs and tragedies, etc. But to watch Leo tonight with that fire that still burns in him, when many thought it would potentially fade out, or he’d relax, or he’d take it easy. Trust me, I see and live it every day. His fire burns as brightly as when he wears the number 10 Argentina jersey in a World Cup game.”
Messi’s Night in Miami
The Herons secured a record-extending 48th trophy of their star player’s incredible career, with Messi scoring the 100th goal of his time at the club to seal it. It marked his fourth such title in as many seasons with Miami.
The win marked the first Miami trophy for Cristian “Kily” González, who took over as head coach of the Herons for his first game with the club. He moved from being a teammate of Messi on the Argentina national team to coaching him in Miami.
“Lionel is No. 1. There’s no one like him and I have no doubts that he should get the Ballon [d’Or],” said González. “With his age and the World Cup he played, what he represents for everyone around the world, not just in soccer, but life values… it should be him.”
The Key Facts
- Messi has won the Ballon d’Or eight times
- His 17th nomination came last week
- Messi scored the 100th goal of his Herons’ career in the Campeones Cup
- He has 48 trophies in his career
- Messi has 19g/13a in MLS 2026
Who Is Making the Case
- David Beckham — Inter Miami CF owner and former world-class player
- Jorge Mas — managing owner of Inter Miami
- Cristian “Kily” González — new Herons’ head coach
Three separate voices all say the same thing: Messi deserves the Ballon d’Or, and they are working hard to make sure the world hears it.
Argentina reached another final and took home the World Cup, and Messi was the one leading them there, scoring at a rate that sets him apart from nearly everyone else. The evidence backs up what the eye sees: at 39, he is doing it better than anyone else.
The statement about no one at 39 playing at that level holds real weight, coming from Beckham.
Inter Miami’s three leaders have spoken plainly on the matter: they think Messi should come out on top, and they show no hesitation in voicing that view.
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