Diego Simeone has made his choice clear in the 2026 Ballon d’Or debate, backing Lionel Messi as the player who should claim the prestigious individual award.
The Atlético Madrid manager believes Messi’s remarkable World Cup campaign at the age of 39 puts him ahead of the competition, with Simeone seeing little room for debate over who deserves the prize.
Simeone’s admiration for Messi is longstanding. The Argentine coach has previously described his compatriot as the best player in the world and highlighted the impact of his World Cup success.
Softfootball believes Simeone’s latest endorsement could add further weight to Messi’s case, particularly after the veteran forward produced another remarkable international tournament despite his advancing age.
Messi’s 2026 campaign has placed him firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation, with his performances at the World Cup becoming a major part of the discussion surrounding the award. At 39, his ability to remain decisive on the biggest stage has continued to surprise football fans around the world.
Meanwhile, AC Milan have completed the signing of Diego Moreira from Strasbourg in a deal reportedly worth up to €66 million. The package is understood to include a €50 million guaranteed fee and a further €16 million in potential add-ons.
Moreira’s arrival represents a significant investment from Milan as they strengthen their squad for the new campaign. The move also adds another highly-rated attacking option to their ranks.
While the Ballon d’Or debate remains open, Simeone has made his position unmistakable: for him, Messi’s World Cup achievement at this stage of his career makes the Argentine the standout candidate.
