Rodrigo De Paul: Messi Deserves a Ninth Ballon d’Or — No Debate
Rodrigo De Paul has shut down any discussion about the 2026 Ballon d’Or, declaring that Lionel Messi should claim the award for a record ninth time.
Speaking amid the growing rivalry between Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, the Inter Miami and Argentina midfielder dismissed the hype around the younger stars. For De Paul, Messi’s performance at the recent World Cup puts him in a class of his own.
At 39, Messi delivered an extraordinary tournament for Argentina. He scored eight goals and provided four assists across eight matches, guiding the Albiceleste all the way to the final. De Paul called the achievement unprecedented.
“For me, there’s no discussion,” De Paul said. “No one has ever done what he did at a World Cup. And Leo did it at 39 years old.”
He added that Messi has competed against the greatest players of every era and emerged as the best player of the World Cup — a fact that, in his view, leaves no room for doubt.
Messi’s form continues to defy age. He recently lifted the 49th major trophy of his career by winning the Champions Cup, further strengthening his case.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26. While Mbappé and Yamal dominate much of the current conversation, De Paul’s endorsement of his longtime teammate has added a powerful voice in Messi’s favor.
If history is any guide, the Argentine legend may once again rewrite the record books.
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