Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has weighed in on Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or credentials, saying the 39-year-old deserves to win the award again but doesn't seem too bothered about it anymore.
Messi is already the most decorated player in Ballon d'Or history with eight wins, and he was recently named among the 30 nominees for the 2026 edition. He's considered one of the favourites, though he'll face competition from the likes of Harry Kane, Rodri, Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappé.
Speaking to reporters, as relayed by World Soccer Talk, Scaloni said: "I think Messi deserves the Ballon d'Or, of course, he does. But I don't think he's too worried about it. I don't think it concerns him much. As long as he's on a soccer pitch, it's hard to say he doesn't deserve it. I don't think he's worried about it, but we'll see what happens."
The Ballon d'Or ceremony is set for London on October 26, but Messi's attention is elsewhere. He's preparing for his farewell international appearance against Benin on October 6. Messi had announced his international retirement after Argentina finished as runners-up at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the Argentine football federation reportedly persuaded him to play one last friendly in front of home supporters.
Romero backs Messi to keep winning it
Argentina defender Cristian Romero has gone even further, arguing that Messi should win the Ballon d'Or every year until he retires. Speaking to ESPN, as relayed by GOAL, Romero said: "The Ballon d'Or should go to Leo Messi. Until he retires, that is clear. Putting aside what he is as a player and what he has achieved throughout his career, he is still the best in the world. What makes him even greater is that I have shared a dressing room with him, and he possesses a humility that very few have. Those things make him stand out."
Messi's last Ballon d'Or win came back in 2023, but his recent form has kept the debate alive. He scored 43 goals and provided 26 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for Inter Miami, helping the club win the 2025 MLS Cup. At the World Cup, he added eight goals and four assists as Argentina reached the final.
