Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has backed Lionel Messi to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, insisting there is little room for debate after the Argentine captain’s remarkable World Cup campaign at the age of 39.
De Paul made the comments after Inter Miami’s Campeones Cup triumph over Cruz Azul, where Messi scored his 100th goal for the club in a 2-0 victory. The midfielder highlighted Messi’s performances at the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina reached the final and Messi was named the tournament’s best player.
Softfootball believes De Paul’s endorsement carries particular weight given his close relationship with Messi at both club and international level. The Inter Miami midfielder has also played a key role in the club’s recent success, including providing important contributions during the team’s Leagues Cup campaign.
De Paul registered his first assist of the Leagues Cup campaign during Inter Miami’s dramatic victory over Atlético de San Luis, helping Messi score during the comeback. Inter Miami eventually won 4-2 after initially falling behind, with De Paul starting in midfield alongside Messi.
The Argentine midfielder has continued to demonstrate his importance to Inter Miami since arriving from Atlético Madrid. Earlier in the MLS season, he recorded a goal and two assists in the 4-2 victory over Toronto FC, while Messi also scored and provided two assists in the same match.
De Paul’s latest comments add to the growing support for Messi’s Ballon d’Or candidacy following a World Cup campaign that he believes was extraordinary given the forward’s age. While other stars remain in contention for the award, De Paul has made his personal preference clear.
For Messi, the individual recognition would add another major achievement to an already decorated career, while his continued impact at Inter Miami keeps him firmly in the conversation surrounding the 2026 award.
