No debate for Simeone! Atlético boss makes stunning Ballon d'Or pick

Diego Simeone needed no time at all to name his favorite for the Ballon d'Or.

Details: During his press conference on September 15 ahead of Atlético Madrid's LaLiga clash with Osasuna, Simeone was asked who he would give the Ballon d'Or to. The question came after a reference to Lamine Yamal's view of himself and Kylian Mbappé among the world's best players, but the Atlético coach immediately went in a different direction.

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“Messi. Without any doubt. After the World Cup he had, at his age, no doubt: Messi,” Simeone replied, making it clear that Lionel Messi remains his choice for the prestigious individual award.

The Argentine coach specifically pointed to Messi's World Cup performance and the fact that the Inter Miami captain continues to perform at the highest level at 39. Simeone did not name an alternative candidate or qualify his answer in any way.

It is worth noting that Messi remains in excellent club form. On September 13, he scored his 19th goal of the 2026 MLS regular season against Nashville and moved back to the top of the Golden Boot race. He also has 13 league assists this season, while that strike became his 99th goal for Inter Miami across all competitions.

Reminder: He did it again! Messi scores a stunning goal for Inter Miami. VIDEO