Lionel Messi is once again a leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or following another trophy-winning campaign with Inter Miami, according to club co-owner David Beckham. The debate over football’s most prestigious individual award has intensified as club officials openly lobby for their respective superstars ahead of the upcoming ceremony.
Messi Leads Inter Miami to Success Sparking Ballon d’Or Debate
Lionel Messi secured another piece of silverware with Inter Miami by capturing the Campeones Cup against Liga MX side Cruz Azul, according to match reports. Messi scored the opening goal in the 24th minute via a header from a Luis Suárez cross, marking his 100th competitive goal for Inter Miami in 115 appearances. Beckham praised the Argentine forward’s sustained impact, telling reporters that Messi’s performances warrant another Ballon d’Or trophy. According to Beckham, Messi’s influence on every match he plays—including his performances for Argentina—makes him a top contender for the award he has already won eight times.
Bayern Munich Officials Champion Harry Kane
FC Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeneß strongly disagrees with Beckham’s assessment, asserting that England captain Harry Kane deserves the award instead. According to statements given by Hoeneß to the Münchner Abendzeitung, giving Messi the award for a fifth time would be nonsensical when compared to Kane’s output. Kane finished the season with 73 combined goals for club and country, capturing the European Golden Shoe, the Bundesliga scoring title with 36 goals, and domestic titles with Bayern Munich. Hoeneß dismissed other high-profile contenders like Kylian Mbappé, noting that Real Madrid failed to secure major titles during the same campaign.
Ballon d’Or Ceremony Details and Contenders
The 70th anniversary edition of the Ballon d’Or, established in 1956 by France Football, will take place on October 26 at the London Palladium Theatre. Journalists will choose the winner from a shortlist that includes Kane, Messi, Spain’s World Cup winners Lamine Yamal and Rodri, and France’s Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Historical records show that the last Bayern Munich player to win the award was Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981, following earlier wins by club legends Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller.
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