De Paul backs Messi to win 2026 Ballon d’Or after World Cup brilliance
Earlier today, Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul told TUDN Mexico that Lionel Messi should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, calling him the best player at this year’s World Cup. De Paul said, “In my opinion, Leo Messi should win the Ballon d’Or. For me there is no discussion, what he did at this World Cup at the age of 39 and being the best player of the tournament.” He added, “No one will do anything like that ever again.”
Messi, who has announced his retirement from international football after the tournament, scored eight goals and provided two assists for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup. The Inter Miami star’s performances were pivotal in Argentina’s campaign, reinforcing his case for a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or.
For Nigerian football fans, this endorsement highlights Messi’s enduring greatness and fuels the ongoing debate about the greatest player of all time. It also underscores the impact of individual brilliance on team success, a lesson applicable to local leagues and grassroots development.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place later this year. With Messi retiring from international play, this could be his final major individual award. Fans can watch the ceremony, reflect on his legacy, and consider what qualities define football excellence in their own context.