Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has backed Lionel Messi to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, insisting there’s little room for debate after the Argentine captain’s exceptional World Cup marketing campaign on the age of 39.
De Paul made the feedback after Inter Miami’s Campeones Cup overcome Cruz Azul, the place Messi scored his one hundredth objective for the membership in a 2-0 victory. The midfielder highlighted Messi’s performances on the 2026 World Cup, the place Argentina reached the ultimate and Messi was named the match’s finest participant.
Softfootball believes De Paul’s endorsement carries explicit weight given his shut relationship with Messi at each membership and worldwide stage. The Inter Miami midfielder has additionally performed a key position within the membership’s latest success, together with offering vital contributions in the course of the crew’s Leagues Cup marketing campaign.
De Paul registered his first help of the Leagues Cup marketing campaign throughout Inter Miami’s dramatic victory over Atlético de San Luis, serving to Messi rating in the course of the comeback. Inter Miami ultimately received 4-2 after initially falling behind, with De Paul beginning in midfield alongside Messi.
The Argentine midfielder has continued to show his significance to Inter Miami since arriving from Atlético Madrid. Earlier within the MLS season, he recorded a objective and two assists within the 4-2 victory over Toronto FC, whereas Messi additionally scored and offered two assists in the identical match.
De Paul’s newest feedback add to the rising assist for Messi’s Ballon d’Or candidacy following a World Cup marketing campaign that he believes was extraordinary given the ahead’s age. Whereas different stars stay in rivalry for the award, De Paul has made his private desire clear.
For Messi, the person recognition would add one other main achievement to an already adorned profession, whereas his continued impression at Inter Miami retains him firmly within the dialog surrounding the 2026 award.
