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David Beckham has thrown his support behind Lionel Messi to claim the 2026 Ballon d'Or ahead of contenders such as Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé, arguing that his continued brilliance is even more remarkable given his unmatched trophy haul compared to players of his generation.
Speaking to Apple TV following Messi's 100th Inter Miami goal and an assist that helped deliver a 2–0 victory over Cruz Azul in the 2026 Campeones Cup, Beckham expressed his admiration for the Argentine, who now holds a world record with 49 career titles.
"There's nobody at 39 doing what he's doing and performing at that level. So he deserves to be in the conversation for the Ballon d'Or and in my opinion, he should win it," said the former England and LA Galaxy player, now Inter Miami co-owner.
"When you watch him perform like he did tonight, when you see the World Cup he delivered, it's no coincidence that he's being considered for the Ballon d'Or once again. He was arguably the finest player in the tournament... That's truly something special."
Celebrating with your fans 🫶@InterMiamiCF brings the trophy over to the supporters after winning @CampeonesCup. pic.twitter.com/TGdPGKsjQz
Beckham went on to acknowledge "great players," including FC Bayern Munich's Harry Kane along with Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, but firmly backed Messi, just moments after the two-time MLS MVP lifted what could be one of the final pieces of silverware in the closing chapter of his storied career.
"I still can't believe we have him here in Miami playing for our club," Beckham added. "That's why I come to training every day just to watch him, and that's why I show up to every game I possibly can — because we all want to see Leo play forever."
Casemiro, making an uncommon appearance before the media following the match, also encouraged voters to back Messi, despite acknowledging the disadvantage that comes with playing in MLS rather than a European competition.
"With him, anything is possible. He proved that at the World Cup, but it's not my place to say," the Brazilian midfielder said. "Naturally, when you play alongside a teammate, you always want him to win, and of course he wants that too. But it's up to the voters... All I wish him is good luck, and I hope people remember what he achieved at the World Cup, because that truly matters."
Beckham Hoping for Miami Spark
While Messi is expected to bring his international career with Argentina to a close during the upcoming window with a farewell match on home soil, he remains contracted with Inter Miami through 2028.
That leaves plenty of silverware still within Miami's reach, most notably the still-elusive Concacaf Champions Cup and the U.S. Open Cup — the only two regional titles that have so far escaped the club's grasp.
With new head coach Kily González now in charge, and the continued presence of Messi and his fellow Miami stars, Beckham believes the club is well-positioned for a bright future ahead.
"In my opinion, he should win [the Ballon d'Or]."
David Beckham on Messi. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/oGVTKvlTpo
"Every trophy for this club means a great deal, and to win this one in our new stadium — the first trophy in this venue — makes it even more special," Beckham said.
"It's been a tough stretch over the last six weeks, but the team keeps pushing through. They keep picking up results, and while they're not always the ones we're hoping for, they're grinding and working together. We have a new coach who only just arrived yesterday, so today is a great start for him."
Once Messi eventually hangs up his boots, he is expected to join Beckham and co-owners Jorge and Jose Mas as an equity stakeholder in Inter Miami, though he will be eager to add more trophies to his legendary collection before that day comes.