Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham believes Lionel Messi should win his ninth Ballon dOr after another outstanding year for club and country. Harry Kane is reportedly the bookmakers favourite for the award after scoring 73 goals in 61 appearances for Bayern Munich and England last season.However, Beckham has backed his fellow Inter Miami figurehead Messi, pointing to the Argentina captains performances at this summers World Cup.Messi scored eight goals during the tournament and also helped Inter Miami win their first MLS Cup last year. He then played a key role as Miami won their first Campeones Cup on Wednesday night.Table of ContentsHe should win itMessi makes history for MiamiHe should win itSpeaking to Apple TV, Beckham said Messis form at the World Cup showed why he should be considered the leading candidate.I think when you see him do things like this tonight, when you see him have the World Cup that hes had, its not luck that hes being considered for the Ballon dOr again, Beckham said.Its not luck because he was probably the best player in the tournament. He had an incredible year last year.He came into that tournament in the World Cup, and like youve just said, 39 years old, to affect a World Cup and every game the way he did. Thats special. Theres no one at 39 thats doing that and doing it at that level. So he deserves to be considered for the Ballon dOr. He, in my opinion, he should win it.Youve got great players there like Harry Kane, like Kylian Mbappe, like Jude Bellingham and other players there, but you know when youre talking about Leo, Im his biggest supporter, he added.Messi makes history for MiamiMessi opened the scoring in Wednesdays Campeones Cup clash at Miamis Nu Stadium, heading in a Luis Suarez cross in the 24th minute.The 39-year-old thought he had doubled his advantage after racing clear and slotting the ball into the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside.Messi still had another major contribution to make, delivering the corner from which former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro headed home in the 81st minute.The 2-0 win secured Miami their first Campeones Cup, with Messi having also scored his 100th goal for the club in the match.Messi has previously won the award eight times, in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2023. Topics Harry Kane Lionel Messi Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Lionel Messi goal not enough as Inter Miamis miserable run continues Jon Fisher 13th September, 2026 Inter Miami v Nashville: Preview, expected line-ups, stats Mitch Fretton 11th September, 2026 Who are you dummy? Ive won two Copas America and the World Cup Messis mate De Paul lashes out at Lewandowski Jon Fisher 10th September, 2026 Chicago Fire v Inter Miami: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch as Ballon dOr contender Messi heads to Soldier Field Jon Fisher 9th September, 2026 Kane hungry for Ballon dOr after best season so far Mitch Fretton 7th September, 2026 Inter Miami v Atlanta United: Preview, line-ups, stats and where to watch Mitch Fretton 4th September, 2026
