Simeone rules out Kane & Mbappe, reveals his pick to win 2026 Ballon d’Or

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone snubbed top World Cup performers, including Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and World Cup winner Lamine Yamal, and selected Argentine football icon Lionel Messi as his favourite pick to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

Messi is coming off a historic World Cup performance, scoring eight goals and four assists. He also struck his first-ever World Cup hat-trick against Algeria and led Argentina to the World Cup final, where they finished as runners-up after losing to Spain.

‘Messi, without a doubt,’ says Simeone

Speaking to the reporters ahead of Atletico’s La Liga encounter against Osasuna, Simeone was questioned about the 2026 Ballon d’Or and his preferred pick. While names like Yamal and Mbappé have dominated the conversation, the Atlético manager had a surprising choice of his own.

“Messi, without a doubt. After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all. Messi,” Simeone said.

Based on his performance at the World Cup, Messi outpaced expectations at age 39, carrying Argentina to the World Cup summit clash. Simeone had no hesitation in picking his compatriot.

Messi to have his last dance at home

Messi announced his retirement from international football, and his final appearance has been confirmed by the AFA. Argentina has named its squad for the upcoming International FIFA friendlies, and the star forward was among the ones named by head coach Lionel Scaloni.

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The 2022 World Cup winner will be part of the final friendly clash against Benin on October 6 at Estadio Mâs Monumental. Rodrigo de Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will also join Messi in the clash, which would be the latter’s final international appearance.

Messi is a record-setting eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, and the last time he lifted the coveted prize was in 2023. This year’s nomination would be his 17th career appearance on the nominees list.