Former Manchester City and Argentina forward Sergio Aguero has publicly endorsed his close friend and former teammate, Lionel Messi, as the rightful recipient of the 2026 Ballon d’Or. Messi, currently 39, is among the 30 official nominees for the prestigious individual honor after maintaining exceptional standards for both his club and national side throughout the year.
Aguero highlighted that the veteran’s recent contributions, particularly his performance at the FIFA World Cup, should be the deciding factor for voters. Despite his age, Messi continues to perform at an elite level. He was instrumental in securing Inter Miami’s first-ever MLS Cup victory in December 2025, a campaign in which he earned both the league’s MVP trophy and the Golden Boot.
The forward’s impact extended to the international stage, where he almost single-handedly propelled Argentina to the FIFA World Cup final this summer. During the tournament, he registered eight goals and four assists across eight appearances, becoming the only player to captain his nation in three separate World Cup finals. Messi’s club form has mirrored this success, as he continues to compete against opponents significantly younger than himself while maintaining top-tier statistics.
Beyond the individual accolades, Messi is preparing for a final farewell to international football. Following his retirement announcement on August 31, he was persuaded by the Argentina Football Association to participate in one last exhibition match. He is scheduled to play for Lionel Scaloni’s side against the Benin Republic on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. This tribute match will feature all of his 2022 World Cup winning teammates in attendance.
Before his trip to South America, Messi remains focused on club duties with Inter Miami, specifically their upcoming MLS fixture against the Columbus Crew. The team is currently looking to improve its league standing, and the Argentine star is expected to lead the attack before departing for his final appearance in the light blue and white stripes of his home country. The report also notes that sergio Aguero explains why Lionel Messi deserves to win over 2026 Ballon d’Or.
