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Having previously claimed that the Ballon d'Or race was strictly between himself and Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal has now conceded that Lionel Messi's pursuit of a record ninth title was not "nonsense."
In what has become the most wide-open Ballon d'Or contest in years, several top contenders have taken to openly lobbying the 100 journalists responsible for casting votes. Harry Kane has made the rounds in multiple interviews, Kylian Mbappé seems to generate more global headlines than Donald Trump, and Yamal has launched his own media campaign. But like any teenager, he has found himself walking back a few of his bolder remarks.
Just last week, the Barcelona forward declared the race a two-man affair. "Mbappé and I are the two best players in the world. To me, it's crystal clear, and anyone watching the matches can see that."
Those comments effectively dismissed the credentials of fellow contenders such as Yamal's compatriot and World Cup-winning skipper Rodri, Champions League-winning PSG standout Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and none other than Lionel Messi himself. Speaking with L'Équipe, Yamal has since dialed back his position, especially regarding the legendary eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient.
"They're all extraordinary players," Yamal said of the remaining 29 nominees. "It doesn't surprise me that these players are in contention—each of them has a legitimate case. Messi is in the conversation because he had a remarkable World Cup, for instance, and others bring their own compelling arguments.
"We have to respect everyone's perspective. If someone says, 'Messi deserves it' or 'Rodri deserves it,' that's completely fair—they're not saying anything unreasonable, right?"
Could Lionel Messi Win a Ninth Ballon d'Or?
Three key criteria are being weighed for this year's Ballon d'Or:
One additional unspoken factor worth noting is the World Cup effect. In any year featuring football's most prestigious tournament, performances on that ultimate stage carry enormous weight in the final reckoning.
Messi firmly satisfies the first criterion with a breathtaking run of individual brilliance for Argentina this summer. Driven by the sight of his ailing father watching from a distance and fueled by months of preparation in Miami's sweltering heat, the seemingly ageless 39-year-old turned back time, netting eight goals and contributing four assists as Argentina fought its way to the final. While certain teammates fell short of the behavioral standards required, Messi steered clear of the unsavory incidents that unfolded at the final whistle.
Ballon d'Or voters have shown a sentimental streak before, as Messi's 2023 victory demonstrated. Erling Haaland had torn through the competition for a Manchester City squad that claimed a historic European treble, yet it was Messi's central role in Argentina's World Cup triumph that ultimately secured him the award. Despite Argentina falling short of the title this time, the national team captain arguably delivered an even more commanding performance in the United States than he had in Qatar.