Football figures discuss Lionel Messi's candidacy for the Ballon d'Or

In recent statements made on September 21, 2026, Argentine defender Cristian Romero and sports journalist Gerard Romero publicly advocated for Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d'Or. Both figures highlighted Messi's unparalleled impact on the sport and his consistent dominance, suggesting that the legendary player remains the most deserving candidate despite competition from stars like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane.

Cristian Romero, speaking to ESPN, described Messi as his childhood idol and praised his leadership qualities, noting the support he provided to younger players upon joining the national team. He emphasized Messi's humility and his instrumental role in Argentina's recent international success. Meanwhile, journalist Gerard Romero focused on the legacy aspect of the award, raising the broader question of how the football community will evaluate candidates for the prestigious trophy once the Argentine forward decides to retire from professional football.

These endorsements underscore ongoing discussions regarding the legacy of the sport's greatest players and the criteria for prestigious individual awards. No official decisions regarding the Ballon d'Or have been announced, and the conversation remains focused on Messi's sustained influence on global football.