David Beckham Backs Lionel Messi to Win Another Ballon d’Or After Inter Miami Title Win

Campeones Cup Victory and Messi’s Milestone

The Campeones Cup pits the reigning Major League Soccer champion against the titleholder of Mexico’s Liga MX. Inter Miami reached the fixture by winning the MLS Cup last December against the Vancouver Whitecaps, a match that featured German football veteran Thomas Müller. In the clash against Cruz Azul, Messi delivered both the opening goal and the decisive assist. According to n-tv.de, his 24th-minute header matched the opponent against whom he scored his very first goal for Miami in July 2023. In the 81st minute, Messi floated a corner kick that Brazilian teammate Casemiro headed home to seal the 2:0 victory, marking Casemiro’s fourth headed goal in his last five matches, as reported by n-tv.de.

David Beckham’s Ballon d’Or Campaign

Following the final whistle, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham advocated strongly for Messi to claim a ninth Ballon d’Or award. According to both n-tv.de and nau.ch, Beckham praised the 39-year-old’s sustained brilliance on the pitch. “When you see him do things like tonight, when you look at the World Cup he played, it’s no luck that he’s being considered for the Ballon d’Or again,” Beckham stated, as translated by n-tv.de. Beckham added that Messi was likely the best player at the World Cup and that maintaining such an impact at 39 years old is extraordinary. “He deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, he should win it,” Beckham declared.

Inter Miami’s Growing Trophies

The Campeones Cup adds to a steadily expanding silverware collection for the club since Messi’s arrival. According to n-tv.de, this victory represents Miami’s fourth major title, following the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, and the MLS Cup last season. Alongside team success, Messi finished the domestic campaign as the leading goalscorer in Major League Soccer, reinforcing his ongoing dominance in North American club football.