Atlético de Madrid head coach Diego Simeone just laid it all out: Lionel Messi should win the highest individual award in world football. When asked point blank who deserves the Ballon d’Or, ‘Cholo’ didn’t hold back, making his deep admiration for the Argentine star crystal clear.
The World Cup Weight and Enduring Brilliance
Simeone wasted no time getting to the heart of his argument. He straight-up said that Messi’s incredible World Cup triumph, coupled with his unbelievable, enduring brilliance at his current age, puts him in a league of his own. Think about it: a World Cup victory like that, from a player who’s been at the absolute peak for so long. It is just insane. “Who should win the Ballon d’Or? Messi, after the World Cup he had, at the age he is… without any doubt,” the Argentine coach declared. That is as emphatic as it gets, right?
A Respected Voice Enters the Debate
Simeone isn’t some random voice; he is a respected figure at the very top level of international football. His words carry serious weight, and this public backing absolutely strengthens Messi’s case in the global debate. It is not just a fan’s opinion; it is coming from a coaching legend. Meanwhile, guys like Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, and Harry Kane are still out there, positioning themselves as the other leading contenders. But when Simeone speaks like this, it is impossible to ignore the impact it has on the conversation. It really makes you wonder if anyone can truly stack up against that kind of legacy and recent success.
What’s Next for the Ballon d’Or Race
So, with Simeone throwing down the gauntlet for Messi, the international debate just got even hotter. The contenders like Mbappé, Yamal, and Kane are still in the mix, but Simeone’s “without any doubt” comment is going to echo loud and clear. Everyone is watching now to see how this impacts the final votes and who ultimately takes home that prestigious award.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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